amiloride hydrochloride anhydrous + furosemide at a glance
Medicine class
Loop diuretic combined with a potassium-sparing diuretic
Main role
Reducing excess fluid while limiting potassium loss
Administration
Swallow the tablet with water; it can be taken with or without food
Monitoring
Blood pressure, kidney function, glucose and blood salts may need checking
What is amiloride hydrochloride anhydrous + furosemide used for?
The selected product is licensed when prompt removal of excess fluid is needed and conserving potassium is important.
Fluid retention associated with congestive heart failure
Nephrosis-related fluid retention
Fluid retention associated with corticosteroid or oestrogen therapy
Ascites associated with liver cirrhosis
How does amiloride hydrochloride anhydrous + furosemide work?
Furosemide reduces salt reabsorption in the kidney, so more sodium, chloride and water leave in urine. Amiloride acts farther along the kidney tubule, adding a mild diuretic effect while reducing potassium loss.
How to take amiloride hydrochloride anhydrous + furosemide
Follow the prescription label and swallow the tablet with water. It may be taken with or without food. Increased and more urgent urination is expected. Do not change or stop treatment without discussing it with the prescriber.
Ask a pharmacist how to separate it from sucralfate because simultaneous administration reduces furosemide absorption.
If vomiting, diarrhoea or fever creates a risk of dehydration, contact a pharmacist or clinician for advice.
Do not drive or use machinery if it causes dizziness, faintness or drowsiness.
amiloride hydrochloride anhydrous + furosemide side effects
Common or expected effects
- Passing urine more often
- Thirst or a dry mouth
- Dizziness or headache
- Muscle twitching
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation
Get urgent medical advice
- Breathing difficulty, facial or throat swelling, shock or another severe allergic reaction
- Blistering, peeling or widespread severe skin reactions
- Severe dehydration or electrolyte disturbance, including confusion, fainting, weakness, cramps or an irregular heartbeat
- Markedly reduced urine, blood in the urine or other symptoms of kidney injury
- Unusual bruising, recurrent infections or profound weakness suggesting a blood disorder
- Jaundice, severe abdominal or back pain, or sudden hearing changes
amiloride hydrochloride anhydrous + furosemide in pregnancy
This combination is not normally recommended during pregnancy. The selected SmPC permits furosemide only for compelling medical reasons and states that amiloride safety has not been established; specialist review and fetal-growth monitoring may be needed when a diuretic is essential. Do not stop prescribed treatment without medical advice.
amiloride hydrochloride anhydrous + furosemide while breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is contraindicated for the selected product. Furosemide enters breast milk and may reduce milk production, while transfer of amiloride into milk is uncertain; discuss an alternative feeding or treatment plan with the prescriber.
amiloride hydrochloride anhydrous + furosemide interactions
Check prescribed, pharmacy-bought and complementary products because important interactions include:
Potassium supplements or other potassium-sparing diuretics
The combination can cause dangerous hyperkalaemia and is contraindicated by the selected SmPC.
ACE inhibitors or angiotensin-II receptor blockers
These may produce a marked fall in blood pressure, worsen kidney function and increase potassium.
NSAIDs, including ibuprofen
They may weaken the diuretic effect and increase the risks of kidney injury and hyperkalaemia, especially during dehydration.
Common questions about amiloride hydrochloride anhydrous + furosemide
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Why are amiloride hydrochloride anhydrous and furosemide combined?
Furosemide removes excess fluid effectively but may lower potassium. Amiloride adds a milder diuretic action while reducing potassium loss.
Can this combination raise potassium?
Yes. Amiloride can cause hyperkalaemia, particularly with impaired kidney function, potassium supplements or other medicines that retain potassium.
Can I take ibuprofen with this combination?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.