AMILORIDE HCL

Drug Name: AMILORIDE HCL

AMILORIDE HCL DESCRIPTION:
AMILORIDE - ORAL (am-ILL-oh-ride)

COMMON AMILORIDE HCL BRAND NAME(S):
Midamor

AMILORIDE HCL SIDE EFFECTS:
AMILORIDE HCL may cause dizziness or vision changes. Watch for signs of dehydration such as dry mouth or thirst. AMILORIDE HCL may cause nausea, vomiting, change in appetite, headache or constipation the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. Notify your doctor if you develop muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat, tingling of the hands and feet, fatigue, breathing difficulties or difficulty urinating. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE AMILORIDE HCL:
AMILORIDE HCL: Take with food or milk to minimize stomach upset. Take AMILORIDE HCL exactly as prescribed. Do not skip doses, increase the dose or stop taking the drug without your doctor's approval. Because AMILORIDE HCL may increase urination, avoid taking a dose near bedtime. Try to take this at the same time each day so you remember to take it.

AMILORIDE HCL WARNING:
AMILORIDE HCL can raise your body's potassium levels. This is more likely to occur in people with kidney problems, diabetes, in elderly patients, or if the patient is severely ill. Potassium levels must be closely monitored in people with any of these problems or illnesses. If not treated, high potassium levels can be fatal. If you develop any of the following symptoms, notify your doctor immediately: muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat.

AMILORIDE HCL USES:
AMILORIDE HCL is a diuretic or "water pill". It reduces the amount of water and sodium retained by the body. It is most frequently used in conjunction with other drugs to lower blood pressure, to treat edema (fluid retention) or to help maintain blood potassium levels.

AMILORIDE HCL PRECAUTIONS:
Before you take AMILORIDE HCL tell your doctor if you have diabetes, kidney or liver disease or any drug allergies. Caution must be observed when eating large amounts of food high in potassium such as bananas, baked potatoes, cantaloupe, avocado, raisins, cooked spinach and other foods. Consult your doctor or nutritionist. Alcoholic beverages may increase the effects of this drug, causing dizziness or lightheadedness. Limit alcohol intake. Use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness. Because AMILORIDE HCL changes your fluid balance, you may feel dizzy if you change from a lying to a standing position too rapidly. Avoid this by sitting up a few minutes before rising. If an illness causes severe vomiting or diarrhea, the fluid balance in your body can be upset; contact your doctor. Unlike other diuretics, amiloride does not cause potassium loss from the body. Do not use salt substitutes without your doctor's permission. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using AMILORIDE HCL. It is not known if AMILORIDE HCL is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

AMILORIDE HCL DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription drugs you are taking, especially captopril, digoxin, enalapril, lithium, potassium supplements and medication for arthritis, diabetes or high blood pressure. Tell your doctor if you take spironolactone or triamterene. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

AMILORIDE HCL OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, weakness, and lightheadedness.

AMILORIDE HCL NOTES:
It is important to continue taking AMILORIDE HCL even if you do not experience symptoms of high blood pressure. Do not allow anyone else to use AMILORIDE HCL.

MISSED AMILORIDE HCL DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

AMILORIDE HCL STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.