Amiloride: What is it? When to use it and how to take it

is an active ingredient belonging to the potassium-sparing class of diuretic drugs.

Shutterstock Amiloride - Chemical Structure

Used in combination with hydrochlorothiazide (another diuretic, but of the thiazide type), amiloride is available in a medicinal product for oral use with the trade name Moduretic®.

To be dispensed, this medicine requires a repeatable medical prescription (RR), but being classified as a group A drug, its cost can be reimbursed by the National Health System (SSN).

of cardiac origin;

Ascitogenic liver cirrhosis (chronic and degenerative liver disease, with accumulation of fluids in the abdomen);

Hypertension.

o allergic reactions (possible signs of allergic reactions are: skin rash, difficulty swallowing or breathing, swelling of the lips, face, throat or tongue);

High blood potassium levels usually occur and, in particular, if these are associated with heart, lung, liver or kidney disease;

You are being treated with other diuretics;

You suffer from diabetes (in these cases, frequent monitoring of electrolyte levels and kidney function is necessary when taking amiloride and hydrochlorothiazide);

You suffer from gout;

You have lupus erythematosus.

During treatment with amiloride associated with hydrochlorothiazide, however, it is necessary to inform the doctor if:

• You have a decrease in vision or eye pain, as these could be symptoms caused by the accumulation of fluid in the vascular layer of the eye (choroidal effusion) or by an increase in intraocular pressure which, if left untreated, can lead to permanent loss. of sight. These symptoms may arise hours to weeks after taking associated amiloride and hydrochlorothiazide. Patients who have had a penicillin or sulphonamide allergy in the past may be at increased risk of developing the above symptoms.
• You must undergo surgery with anesthesia (including dental procedures), as it is possible that you may experience a sudden drop in blood pressure.
• You must undergo tests to check the functionality of the parathyroid glands that regulate the levels of calcium in the blood.
• You have suffered from skin cancer in the past or if you are developing unexpected skin lesions during treatment.Treatment with hydrochlorothiazide, in fact - and, in particular, long-term use with high doses - can increase the risk of certain types of skin and lip cancer (non-melanoma skin cancer). For this reason, it is essential to protect yourself from exposure to the sun and UV rays.
• Symptoms of electrolyte imbalance appear, such as: dry mouth, thirst, weakness, lethargy, drowsiness, agitation, seizures, confusion, muscle cramps and pains, muscle fatigue, low blood pressure, decreased urine production, increased heart rate cardiac and gastrointestinal disturbances, such as nausea and vomiting. In these cases it is necessary to inform the doctor promptly.