Uses
What is amiloride used for?
Amiloride is a diuretic, also called a water pill, that is normally used with other diuretics to prevent your potassium from getting too low when using other diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide.
Amiloride may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does amiloride work (mechanism of action)?
Amiloride helps your kidneys move potassium into your blood, which can help to prevent too much potassium loss from other diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide.
How is amiloride supplied (dosage forms)?
Amiloride is available as Midamor and generic amiloride as 5 mg oral tablets that are taken by mouth.
How should I store amiloride?
Amiloride should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Keep tightly closed.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of amiloride?
The most common side effects of amiloride are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- An increase in potassium levels in your blood (hyperkalemia)
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach pain
- Gas (flatulence)
- Headache
- Weakness/fatigue
- Mild skin rash
There may be other side effects of amiloride that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of amiloride?
While less common, the most serious side effects of amiloride are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Electrolyte Changes. Amiloride can cause changes to the levels of certain minerals in your body, called electrolytes. For example, it may cause high potassium levels (hyperkalemia), low sodium levels (hyponatremia), or low chloride levels (hypochloremia). These changes can be serious and may lead to death. Your healthcare provider will do bloodwork to check your electrolyte levels, especially if you take certain other medicines. Keep your appointments to have your blood checked. Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms.
- Weakness
- Unusual tiredness
- Muscle cramps or twitching
- Constipation
- Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
- Dizziness
- Restlessness or irritability
- Difficulty breathing
- Confusion or decreased alertness
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Seizures
Kidney Damage or Reduced Kidney Function. Kidney damage or reduced kidney function can happen when taking amiloride. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of kidney damage.
- Reduced need to pee
- Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Difficulty catching your breath or chest pain/pressure
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Seizures
Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking amiloride. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach or belly pain
- Fever
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Itching
- Loss of appetite
- Light-colored poop
- Dark-colored urine
- Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)
Severe Allergic Reactions. Amiloride may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using amiloride and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use amiloride?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use amiloride.
- Amiloride
- Midamor
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific amiloride products they stock.
No Urine Production. Do not take amiloride if you are making very little to no pee. This condition is also called anuria.
Other Kidney Problems. Amiloride should not be used if your kidneys are not working as well as they should be. If there is a concern about the health of your kidneys, your healthcare provider may do tests to determine if they are working well enough to take this medicine.
High Potassium Level (Hyperkalemia). Amiloride should not be used if your blood potassium level is too high. Your healthcare provider should measure your potassium level before starting, and during treatment with, amiloride. It is very important to make it to all appointments where your blood potassium levels will be measured.
Salt Substitutes or Potassium Supplements. Salt substitutes containing potassium, potassium supplements, or a high-potassium diet should not be used while taking amiloride unless directed to do so by your healthcare provider.
Drug Interactions. Amiloride should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking amiloride, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
What should I know about amiloride before using it?
Do not take amiloride unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share amiloride with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep amiloride out of the reach of children.
Take amiloride with food.
Amiloride can affect your electrolyte levels, especially potassium and sodium. It is important to discuss your intake of electrolytes with your healthcare provider, including potassium in food, drinks, or supplements.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using amiloride?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if amiloride is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Liver problems
- Kidney problems
- A reduced need to pee
- Persistent or severe diarrhea or vomiting, which can lead to dehydration
- Electrolyte issues, especially high potassium
- Abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmias)
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how amiloride could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take amiloride while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if amiloride passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should stop breastfeeding or stop amiloride.
Interactions
Does amiloride interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between amiloride and foods or drinks. However, since amiloride affects electrolytes, it is important to discuss your intake of electrolytes, including sodium and potassium, with your healthcare provider.
Does amiloride interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using amiloride.
- An angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, which is a medicine for high blood pressure, heart failure, and certain kidney problems
- An angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), which is a medicine for high blood pressure, heart failure, and other heart conditions
- A direct renin inhibitor, which is a medicine for high blood pressure
- Lithium, which is a medicine commonly used for certain mental health conditions
- A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, which are contained in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and fever
- Any potassium-containing medicine, such as penicillin G potassium, or potassium chloride
- Cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune, and others), which is a medicine to suppress your immune system
- Tacrolimus, which is a medicine to suppress your immune system
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with amiloride. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much amiloride?
If you or someone else has used too much amiloride, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of amiloride?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
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