Amiloride is a diuretic drug that belongs to a group of potassium diuretics. It works by counteracting the effects of renal aldosterone (a steroid hormone produced by the outer layer of the adrenal cortex) and eliminating water, sodium and potassium from the body.
What is Amiloride?
Amiloride is used to treat hypertension, congestive heart failure, liver cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome and hyperaldosteronism.
How should Amiloride be taken?
Amiloride is administered orally in the form of tablets or powders or parenterally (powder and solvent for solution for injection).
Side effects associated with Amiloride
The side effects of Amiloride depend on the condition for which it is taken. The most common side effects include the following:
- Gastrointestinal disorders: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation, thirst, dry mouth;
- Dermatological disorders: skin rash, itchy feeling;
- Neurological disorders: lightheadedness, weakness, headache , dizziness
- Muscle cramps
- Hyperkalemia
- Hyponatremia
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Amiloride
The use of Amiloride is contraindicated in children and in individuals with chronic renal insufficiency. It is also not recommended in patients with diabetes mellitus, cardiopulmonary disease and hyperkalemia. Intake should also be carefully monitored in elderly individuals.
Amiloride may cause hyperkalemia, particularly in patients with renal insufficiency or diabetes mellitus as well as in the elderly patients.
Due to the fact that elderly individuals are at particular risk of developing hyponatremia during treatment with diuretics, it is advised to use Amiloride with caution.
The use of Amiloride is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
