$Unique_ID{BRK01820}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{AMILORIDE}
$Subject{amiloride (various manufacturers)
Midamor (Merck Sharp & Dohme)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


AMILORIDE
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     amiloride (various manufacturers)
     Midamor (Merck Sharp & Dohme)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Diuretic and antihypertensive
INGREDIENT:
     amiloride
DOSAGE FORM:
     Tablets (5 mg)
STORAGE:
     Amiloride should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed
       container.

USES

     Amiloride is prescribed to treat high blood pressure.  It is also used to
reduce fluid accumulation in the body caused by conditions such as heart
failure, cirrhosis of the liver, kidney disease, and the long-term use of some
medications.  Amiloride reduces fluid accumulation by increasing the
elimination of salt and water through the kidneys.  It may also be used in
combination with other diuretics to prevent potassium loss.

TREATMENT

     To decrease stomach irritation, you can take amiloride with a glass of
milk or with a meal (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).  Try to
take it at the same time every day.  Avoid taking a dose after 6:00 P.M.;
otherwise, you may have to get up during the night to urinate.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for the next one.  In that case, do not
take the missed dose at all; just wait until the next scheduled dose.  Do not
double the dose.
     This medication does not cure high blood pressure, but it will help to
control the condition as long as you continue to take it.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, gas, headache, heartburn,
loss of appetite, nasal congestion, nausea, sleeping problems, stomach upset,
or vomiting.  These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the
medication.
     To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads) and exercise more
(unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     Dry mouth can be relieved by sucking on ice chips or a piece of hard
candy or by chewing sugarless gum.
     To avoid dizziness or light-headedness when you stand, contract and relax
the muscles of your legs for a few moments before rising from a sitting
position.  Do this by alternately pushing one foot against the floor while
raising the other foot slightly, so that you are "pumping" your legs in a
pedaling motion.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
anxiety; black, tarry stools; chest pain; confusion; cough; extreme tiredness
or weakness; hair loss; impotence; itching; joint pain; mental depression;
muscle aches; muscle cramps; nervousness; palpitations; rash; ringing in the
ears; shakiness; shortness of breath; tingling in the fingers, lips, or toes;
visual disturbances; or yellowing of the eyes or skin.

INTERACTIONS

     Amiloride interacts with several other types of medications and
certain foods:
     1. Concurrent use of this medication with spironolactone, triamterene,
potassium salts, low-salt milk, salt substitutes, captopril, enalapril, or
laxatives may cause serious side effects from hyperkalemia (high levels of
potassium in the blood).  Check with your physician before using any of these
medications or products.
     2. Amiloride may increase the side effects of lithium and digoxin.
     Before starting to take amiloride, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any
medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you have ever had unusual or allergic
reactions to medications, especially to amiloride or any other diuretic.
     * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had kidney disease
or urination problems, hyperkalemia, diabetes mellitus, liver disease, or
acidosis.
     * Amiloride can cause hyperkalemia (high levels of potassium in the
blood).  Signs of hyperkalemia include palpitations (rapid or irregular
heartbeat); confusion; numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or lips;
anxiety; or unusual tiredness or weakness.  In order to avoid this problem, do
not alter your diet and do not use salt substitutes unless you first consult
your doctor.
     * While taking this medication, limit your intake of alcoholic beverages
in order to prevent dizziness and light-headedness.
     * Do not take any over-the-counter (nonprescription) medication for
weight control or for cough, cold, allergy, asthma, or sinus problems, unless
you first check with your doctor.
     * To prevent severe water loss (dehydration) while taking this
medication, check with your doctor if you have any illness that causes severe
or continuous nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  This drug crosses the
placenta.  Although this drug appears to be safe in animals, studies in humans
have not been conducted.  Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an
infant.  Small amounts of this drug pass into breast milk.

----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
