Generic
Amiloride Hydrochloride + Hydrochlorothiazide
3 brands available in the market
At a glance
Amiloride Hydrochloride + Hydrochlorothiazide is a combination diuretic used for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure). It removes excess water and salt from the body and maintains potassium balance.
Description
Amiloride Hydrochloride + Hydrochlorothiazide is a combination diuretic used for hypertension. Amiloride is a potassium-sparing diuretic that acts on the distal convoluted tubule and collecting duct, reducing sodium reabsorption and decreasing potassium secretion. Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic that acts on the distal convoluted tubule to increase sodium and chloride excretion. This combination effectively lowers blood pressure and prevents potassium loss.
Indications
Hypertension (high blood pressure).
Therapeutic class
Diuretic (Potassium-sparing + Thiazide)
Pharmacological class
Potassium-sparing Diuretic + Thiazide Diuretic
Pharmacology
Amiloride is a potassium-sparing diuretic that blocks sodium channels in the distal convoluted tubule and collecting duct, reducing sodium reabsorption and decreasing potassium secretion. Hydrochlorothiazide inhibits the Na+-Cl- symporter in the distal convoluted tubule, increasing sodium and chloride excretion, reducing plasma volume and lowering blood pressure. This combination effectively lowers blood pressure and amiloride prevents hydrochlorothiazide-induced potassium loss.
Mechanism of action
Amiloride increases sodium and water excretion while conserving potassium to lower blood pressure. Hydrochlorothiazide reduces blood volume by increasing sodium and water excretion and over time relaxes blood vessels. Amiloride balances potassium levels to prevent hydrochlorothiazide-induced potassium loss.
Dosage
Adults: 1 tablet daily (50 mg Hydrochlorothiazide + 5 mg Amiloride) in the morning with food, or as directed by the physician.
Maximum dose: Usually not more than 2 tablets daily.
Administration
Take in the morning with food (to avoid frequent urination at night).
Swallow tablet whole; do not crush or chew.
Take at the same time each day.
Missed dose
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 continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common side effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, weakness, muscle cramps, increased uric acid levels, electrolyte imbalance, glucose intolerance.
Serious (rare): Hyperkalemia (high blood potassium), hyponatremia, hypokalemia, kidney damage, allergic reactions.
Precautions & warnings
- Caution during pregnancy and lactation
- Caution while driving (may cause dizziness and drowsiness)
- Avoid alcohol (may increase dizziness)
- Caution in kidney and liver disease; not recommended in severe kidney disease
- Regular monitoring of electrolytes required
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to amiloride or hydrochlorothiazide
- Severe renal impairment
- Anuria
- Hyperkalemia (high blood potassium)
- Diabetes mellitus (caution required)
Drug interactions
- Antihypertensives: Increased blood pressure lowering effect
- Potassium supplements or potassium-sparing diuretics: Risk of hyperkalemia
- Lithium: May increase lithium toxicity (hydrochlorothiazide reduces lithium clearance)
- NSAIDs: May reduce diuretic efficacy
- Digitalis glycosides: Hypokalemia increases digitalis toxicity risk
Food interactions
Caution advised with alcohol consumption (may increase dizziness and drowsiness).
Use in pregnancy
Generally considered safe during pregnancy (Pregnancy Category: B). Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects on the fetus; human studies are limited.
Pregnancy Category: B — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Probably safe during breastfeeding; limited data suggests no significant risk to the baby.
Pediatric use
Safety and efficacy have not been established in children under 18 years of age.
Geriatric use
Dose adjustment may be needed for elderly patients (higher risk of renal function decline and electrolyte imbalance).
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal impairment: Caution required; dose adjustment may be needed. Not recommended in severe renal impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min).
Hepatic impairment: Caution required; dose adjustment may be needed.
Overdose effects
Overdose symptoms: electrolyte depletion (hypokalemia, hyponatremia, hypochloremia), dehydration, excessive hypotension. Treatment: symptomatic and supportive measures.
Storage conditions
Store below 30°C in a cool and dry place, protected from light. Keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Amiloride Hydrochloride 5 mg + Hydrochlorothiazide 50 mg