Amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide (By mouth)

Introduction:

Amiloride (a-MIL-oh-ride), Hydrochlorothiazide (hye-droe-klor-oh-THYE-a-zide)

Treats fluid retention (edema) and high blood pressure. This medicine is a combination of two types of diuretic (water pill).

Brand Name(s):

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to amiloride, hydrochlorothiazide, or sulfa drugs. You should not use this medicine if you are unable to urinate, if you have kidney disease or high potassium levels in your blood (hyperkalemia), if you are also using potassium supplements or salt substitutes, or if you are taking other diuretics such as spironolactone (Aldactazide®, Aldactone®), or triamterene (Dyazide®, Dyrenium®, Maxzide®).

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
  • It is best to take this medicine with food. Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet.

If a dose is missed:

  • If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
  • Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
  • Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using cyclosporine (Sandimmune®), cholestyramine (Questran®), colestipol (Colestid®), digoxin (Lanoxin®), dofetilide (Tikosyn?), lithium, steroids (such as cortisone, prednisone), tacrolimus (Prograf®), other blood pressure medicine (such as Accupril®, Altace®, Capoten®, Lotensin®, Lotrel®, Monopril®, Prinivil®, Univasc®, Vasotec®, Zestril®), or low-salt milk.
  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, diabetes, pancreatitis, or lupus.
  • This medicine may make you dizzy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.
  • Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine.
  • If you stop using this medicine, your blood pressure may go up. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. Even if you feel well, do not stop using the medicine without asking your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Chest pain (may be related to your disease and not a side effect)
  • Confusion, weakness, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, numbness or tingling in hands, feet, or lips
  • Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting
  • Fever, chills, cough, hoarseness
  • Lightheadedness or fainting
  • Problems urinating, pain in side or lower back
  • Severe diarrhea or stomach pain
  • Skin rash or itching
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Constipation
  • Loss of appetite
  • Mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach upset
  • Problems having sex
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