Information About Amiloride-Hydrochlorothiazide

Common uses
Amiloride-Hydrochlorothiazide is a potassium-sparing and thiazide diuretic combination used to treat high blood pressure and swelling due to excess body water. It may be also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your physician.

Prior to Use
Amiloride-Hydrochlorothiazide 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 physician immediately: muscle weakness, slow or irregular heartbeat. Be aware that pre-existing medical conditions, or taking additional medications could interfere with the effectiveness of this one. Let your physician or pharmacist know about any other medications -- prescription or over-the-counter -- that you are using. If you are taking any of the following, do not use Amiloride-Hydrochlorothiazide: dofetilide or potassium. If you are taking any of the following, your dose or condition may need regular supervision: NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and indomethacin), diazoxide, lithium, quinidine, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, or medicine for heart conditions (ACE inhibitors). Inform your physician of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. If you have questions or concerns about Amiloride-Hydrochlorothiazide, be sure to let your physician or pharmacist know.

Instructions for Use
Follow your physician's instructions for taking Amiloride-Hydrochlorothiazide. Amiloride-Hydrochlorothiazide may be taken with food if it upsets your stomach. Amiloride-Hydrochlorothiazide may cause an increase in urine or in frequency of urination. To prevent this from affecting sleep, if you are taking 1 dose daily, take it in the morning after breakfast. If you are taking more than 1 dose, take the last one no later than 6 pm. It is best to keep Amiloride-Hydrochlorothiazide away from heat and light, at room temperature. Should you skip or forget a dose of Amiloride-Hydrochlorothiazide, begin using it immediately. If it is almost time for your next dose, omit the skipped dose and continue to follow your original dosing schedule. Never take more than one dose at the same time.

Warnings
If you have had a severe allergic reaction to Amiloride-Hydrochlorothiazide or any other sulfonamide medicine (such as Septra DS, Bactrim DS, Gantrisin, glyburide, or probenecid), contact your physician or pharmacist before taking Amiloride-Hydrochlorothiazide. A severe reaction includes a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or dizziness. If you have a question about whether you are allergic to Amiloride-Hydrochlorothiazide or if a certain medicine is a sulfonamide, contact your physician or pharmacist. Amiloride-Hydrochlorothiazide may cause dizziness. Drinking alcohol will increase this effect. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Amiloride-Hydrochlorothiazide. Amiloride-Hydrochlorothiazide may cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun or sunlamps until you know how you react to Amiloride-Hydrochlorothiazide. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period. Do not use a salt substitute or potassium supplement without checking with your physician. Before you begin taking any new medicine either prescription or over-the-counter, consult your pharmacist or physician . Caution should be used in the elderly since they may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug. Women, Amiloride-Hydrochlorothiazide is excreted in breast milk. do not breast-feed while taking Amiloride-Hydrochlorothiazide.

Potential Side Effects
Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include dizziness or lightheadedness when standing or sitting up, nausea, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. Consult your physician if they do not go away or if they bring you difficulties. Consult your physician immediately if you experience leg or muscle cramps; rapid, weak, or irregular heartbeat; mental confusion; stomach pain; vomiting; rash; dry mouth; or excessive thirst. Let your physician, pharmacist, or nurse know if you experience any side-effects not listed here.

Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job.

In Case of Overdose
Contact a poison control center or visit an emergency room immediately, if you think you have overdosed. Indications of an overdose are fainting, muscle weakness, slow or shallow breathing, dizziness, confusion, unusually slow heartbeat, or seizures.

Additional information
Do not let anyone else use Amiloride-Hydrochlorothiazide. Do not take Amiloride-Hydrochlorothiazide to treat health conditions other than what it was prescribed for. Store this and all medication away from the reach of children. If using Amiloride-Hydrochlorothiazide for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.