Amiloride is a diuretic drug used in the treatment of hypertension, heart failure, or edema. In addition, amiloride can also be used to help treat and prevent hypokalemia due to the use of other diuretic drugs.
Amiloride will increase urine output by preventing the absorption of water and salt in the body. This drug is often combined with other diuretic drugs, because it has the ability to maintain potassium levels. Amiloride should only be used as prescribed by a doctor.
Trademark amiloride: Lorinid, Lorinid Mite
What is Amiloride?
| group | Potassium sparing diuretic |
| Category | Prescription drugs |
| Benefit | Treat hypertension, heart failure, or edema |
| Used by | Adults and children |
| Amiloride for pregnant and lactating women | Category B: Studies in animal experiments have not shown any risk to the fetus, but there have been no controlled studies in pregnant women. Amiloride may be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Shape | Tablet |
Warnings Before Taking Amiloride:
- Tell your doctor if you have a history of allergies to amiloride.
- Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, hyperkalemia, diabetes, Addison's disease, or are taking potassium supplements. Amiloride should not be used in any of the above conditions.
- Tell your doctor if you have a history of liver disease, electrolyte imbalance, or any diseases and conditions that increase your risk of dehydration.
- Amiloride can cause dizziness, do not do activities that require high alertness while taking this medicine.
- Drink plenty of water during treatment with amiloride, as this drug can increase the risk of dehydration.
- Limit consumption of foods high in potassium, such as bananas and orange juice while taking amiloride.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction or overdose after taking amiloride.
Dosage and Rules for Use of Amiloride
Amiloride will be given by a doctor. The dose of amiloride will be adjusted according to the patient's condition. The following are common doses of amiloride for some conditions:
- Congestive heart failure
Dose: 5-10 mg once a day
- Hypertension
Dose: 5-10 mg once a day
- Edema
Dose: 5-10 mg once a day
- Hypokalemia induced by other diuretics
Dose: 5-10 mg once a day
How to Use Amiloride Correctly
Follow your doctor's advice and read the instructions on the package before taking amiloride.
Amiloride can be taken at night before going to bed. Make sure to take amiloride at the same time every day for best results.
If a dose is missed, take it immediately as soon as you remember if the interval with the next dose schedule is not close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose. Do not stop taking amiloride even if your symptoms have subsided, unless advised by your doctor.
Store amirolide in a tightly closed container. Make sure the container is out of reach of children. Store at room temperature and keep away from moisture and direct sunlight.
Amiloride Interactions with Other Drugs
The use of amiloride with other drugs can cause interactions. The following are some of the interactions that can occur:
- Increased risk of developing hyperkalemia if used with ACE inhibitors, ARBs (angiotensin II receptor blockers), potassium supplements, or other potassium-sparing diuretics, such as spironolactone
- Increased risk of kidney damage when used with ciclosporin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Increased risk of severe hyponatremia when used with thiazides or duloxetine
- Lithium effect enhancement
Amiloride Side Effects and Dangers
Side effects that may arise after taking amiloride are:
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Decreased appetite
- Decreased sex drive
Check with your doctor if the side effects above do not improve. Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to the drug, which is characterized by swelling of the lips or eyelids, an itchy rash, and difficulty breathing or serious side effects, such as:
- daze
- Stomach ache
- Hard to breath
- Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Numbness in feet, hands, or lips
