What is this medication for?
This medication contains two diuretics or "water pills" (amiloride
and hydrochlorothiazide) that are used to treat high blood pressure and congestive
heart failure. This medication is used when treatment with certain medications
has caused low blood potassium levels or when low blood potassium levels could
be problematic. This medication works by causing the body to lose excess water
and salt. One of the diuretics, amiloride, called a potassium-sparing diuretic,
does not cause potassium to be lost from the body, while the other, hydrochlothiazide,
does cause potassium to be lost from the body.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those
listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all
of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor
or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do
not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms
as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their
doctor has not prescribed it. Do not stop taking this medication without
consulting your doctor.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Amiloride and Hydrochlorothiazide by Mylan is available as:
- tablets
- 5 mg of amiloride and 50 mg of hydrochlorothiazide
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
The usual dose of amiloride - hydrochorothiazide is one or two tablets daily
in one dose or in divided doses. If one dose is taken, it should be taken
early in the day to avoid the need to visit the washroom during sleeping hours.
This medication should be taken with food.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect is from light, moisture
and freezing, and keep it out of the reach of children.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by
your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue
with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the
missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a
double dose to make up for a missed one.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as
body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor
has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change
the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Amiloride and hydrocholothiazide should not be used by anyone who:
- is allergic to hydrochlorothiazide or amiloride or any ingredients of this
medication
- is allergic to sulfa drugs
- has high blood potassium levels (hyperkalemia)
- is taking potassium supplements or other potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g.,
triamterene or spironolactone)
- is unable to urinate
- has acute kidney failure
- has severe or progressive kidney disease
- has diabetic kidney disease