amiloride hydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
Potassium-sparing diuretic, sometimes called a water tablet.
Main role
Often used with another diuretic to remove excess fluid while limiting potassium loss.
Important risk
Potassium can become too high, particularly with kidney impairment, diabetes or interacting medicines.
Available forms
The selected products are tablets and an oral solution.
What is amiloride hydrochloride used for?
The selected products are licensed for conditions involving excess fluid or where potassium conservation is important.
Oedema, including fluid retention associated with congestive heart failure.
High blood pressure, usually alongside a thiazide or similar diuretic.
Ascites associated with hepatic cirrhosis.
Conserving potassium during treatment with thiazides or more potent diuretics.
How does amiloride hydrochloride work?
Amiloride blocks epithelial sodium channels in the later part of the kidney tubule. Less sodium is reabsorbed, so more sodium and water leave in urine; this also reduces potassium secretion.
amiloride hydrochloride preparations and strengths
Oral solution
Route: Oral
Strengths: 5 mg/5 mL
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 5 mg
How to take amiloride hydrochloride
Take amiloride by mouth exactly as shown on the dispensing label.
Swallow tablets with water.
Measure oral solution with a suitable oral syringe or medicine measure; do not use a kitchen teaspoon.
Do not take extra potassium supplements or potassium-containing salt substitutes unless specifically instructed.
amiloride hydrochloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- Nausea, reduced appetite or abdominal discomfort
- Diarrhoea, constipation or flatulence
- Headache, tiredness or dizziness
- Dry mouth or thirst
- Mild rash or itching
- Muscle cramps
Get urgent medical advice
- Palpitations, an irregular heartbeat or marked muscle weakness
- Severe dizziness, fainting, dehydration or very reduced urine output
- Sudden breathing difficulty, swelling or collapse
- New confusion, tremor or reduced consciousness, particularly with severe liver disease
- Yellow skin or eyes, chest pain or significant breathing difficulty
amiloride hydrochloride in pregnancy
The selected product information does not recommend routine use during pregnancy because experience is limited. A diuretic can sometimes be used when treating a serious maternal condition outweighs possible risks; discuss planning, continuation and monitoring with the prescriber or specialist rather than changing treatment without advice.
amiloride hydrochloride while breastfeeding
Amiloride is not routinely recommended while breastfeeding because evidence is very limited. A published review describes possible electrolyte effects in one exposed infant, so treatment need, alternatives and feeding options require individual specialist or prescriber assessment.
amiloride hydrochloride interactions
Check prescribed, non-prescription and complementary products because several combinations can raise potassium, affect kidney function or lower blood pressure excessively.
Potassium supplements, potassium-containing salt substitutes and other potassium-sparing diuretics
The combination can cause dangerous hyperkalaemia and is contraindicated by the selected product information.
ACE inhibitors and angiotensin-II receptor blockers
These can further increase potassium and lower blood pressure, requiring careful assessment and monitoring if combined.
Common questions about amiloride hydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Why is amiloride hydrochloride prescribed with another water tablet?
Its principal role is often to support fluid removal while reducing potassium loss caused by thiazides or stronger diuretics.
Does amiloride hydrochloride lower potassium?
Usually not. It conserves potassium, and the main electrolyte concern is potassium becoming too high.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.