Amiloride and Hydrochlorothiazide

Generic Name : Amiloride and Hydrochlorothiazide

TradeName : Biduret, Moduretic

Why it is prescribed (Indications) : The combination of amiloride and hydrochlorothiazide is used to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention caused by various conditions, including heart disease. It causes the kidneys to eliminate unwanted water and salt from the body into the urine.

When it is to be taken : The combination of amiloride and hydrochlorothiazide is usually taken once a day, in the morning. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully. Take this drug at the same time that you do something else every day, such as eating breakfast, to help you remember it.

How it should be taken : This combination drug comes in the form of tablet. Your prescription label tells you the amount to be taken exactly at each dose. Take this medication with food.

Special Instruction :
Blood tests should be done occasionally.
2. Do not stop taking amiloride and hydrochlorothiazide without consulting your doctor.
3. Do not take more medication than your doctor has prescribed. Be sure that your have enough medication on hand at all times.
4. Follow your doctor’s recommendations such as low-salt or low-sodium diet. Avoid potassium containing salt substitutes. Limit your consumption of potassium-rich foods (e.g., bananas, prunes, raisins, orange juice, and whole and skim milk).
5. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if you do not remember until the next day, omit the missed dose and take only the scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.

Side Effects :
1. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, abodominal pain are common side effects. Take this medication with food. If these effects persist or severe, contact your doctor.
2. Frequent urination, dizziness and headache are seen rarely. If these symptoms persist, contact your doctor.
3. Muscle weakness or cramps, tingling, prickling, burning, fatigue, slow or irregular heartbeat, sore throat, easy bruising, yellowing of skin or eyes and skin rashes are infrequent.

Other Precautions :
1. Before you take this medication, tell your doctor if you have diabetes, gout, allergy
to sulfa drugs, kidney or liver disease.
2. Tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking, especially captopril, digoxin, enalapril, lithium, potassium supplements, and medication for arthritis, diabetes or high blood pressure.
3. Do not take this medication if you take spironolactone or triamterene.
4. Alcoholic beverages may increase the effects of this drug, causing dizziness or lightheadedness.
5. Tell your doctor if your are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Storage Conditions :
Keep this medication in the container it came in and out of the reach of children. Store it at room temperature.