hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride Health Article

Generic name(s):

hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride

Brand name(s):

amiloride-hydrochlorothiazide, Moduretic 5-50

What is the most important information I should know about hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride?

Do not use this medication if you have kidney disease, urination problems, diabetes, or high levels of potassium in your blood. Do not use potassium supplements while you are taking hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have heart disease, cirrhosis or other liver disease, a breathing disorder, gout, lupus, an allergy to sulfa drugs, or a pancreas disorder. Tell your doctor if you use steroids or other blood pressure medicines.

Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride. Do not use salt substitutes or low-sodium milk products that contain potassium. These products could cause your potassium levels to get too high while you are taking hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride.

There are many other medicines that can interact with hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough.

What is hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride?

Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that helps prevent your body from absorbing too much salt, which can cause fluid retention.

Amiloride is a potassium sparing-diuretic that also prevents your body from absorbing too much salt and keeps your potassium levels from getting too low.

The combination of hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride is used to treat fluid retention (edema) and high blood pressure (hypertension).

Hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my doctor before taking hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to hydrochlorothiazide or amiloride, or if you have:

• kidney disease or are unable to urinate;

• high potassium levels (hyperkalemia); or

• if you are taking potassium supplements.

Before using hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride, tell your doctor if you have:

• diabetes;

• heart disease;

• cirrhosis or other liver disease;

• a breathing disorder;

• gout;

• lupus;

• an allergy to sulfa drugs;

• a pancreas disorder; or

• if you are using another blood pressure medication or a steroid.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Hydrochlorothiazide passes into breast milk and could cause harm to a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.