Amiloride (HCl)
Amiloride (HCl) Information

About Amiloride (HCl)

Amiloride is a potassium sparing diuretic. Amiloride (HCl) is antihypertensive agent. Chemically Amiloride (HCl) is identified as N-Amidino-3, 5-diamino-6-chloropyrazinecarboxamide hydrochloride. It reduces the amount of water and sodium retained by the body. Amiloride (HCl) is used to restore normal serum potassium levels in patients who develop hypokalemia and in patients who would be exposed to a perticular risk if hypokalemia were to develop. Amiloride (HCl) is mostly used in conjunction with other drugs to lower blood pressure.

Indications

Amiloride (HCl) is primarily indicated in conditions like Congestive heart failure, Duodenal ulceration, Edema, Hepatic cirrhosis with ascites, Hypertension, Oedema, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Cystic fibrosis, NIDDM.

Contraindication

Amiloride (HCl) is contraindicated in conditions like Acute renal failure,Gout,Hyperkalaemia,Diabetic nephropathy.

Side Effects

The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Amiloride (HCl), which give rise to further complications include Hyperkalemia.The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Amiloride (HCl) include Dehydration, Electrolyte imbalance.The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Amiloride (HCl) are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Flatulence, Weakness, Dizziness, Vertigo, Headache, Nausea, Alopecia, Anorexia, Dyspnea, Insomnia, Tinnitus, Abdominal pain, Skin rashes, Somnolence, Polyuria, Tremor, Cough, Nasal congestion, Paresthesias, Voice disturbance, Polydipsia.

Warnings

Amiloride should be used with caution in patients with diabetes, kidney or liver disease or any drug allergy. Caution must be observed when eating large amounts of food high in potassium such as bananas, baked potatoes, raisins, cooked spinach and other foods. Alcoholic beverages may increase the effects of this drug, causing dizziness or lightheadedness, so limit alcohol intake. Patients should observe caution while driving or performing other activities requiring alertness. Because this drug changes fluid balance, patients may feel dizzy if change from a lying to a standing position too rapidly, avoid this by sitting up a few minutes before rising. Use with caution during pregnancy or lactation.

High Risk Groups

Drug should not be given to Paediatrics, Pregnant Mothers, Geriatrics, and Neonates.If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.