amiloride hydrochloride + bumetanide at a glance
Medicine class
Loop diuretic plus potassium-sparing diuretic
Main role
Relieves excess fluid causing swelling or breathlessness
Monitoring
Blood pressure, kidney function, fluid status and blood salts require review
What is amiloride hydrochloride + bumetanide used for?
The selected product is licensed when prompt diuresis is required, particularly where conserving potassium is important.
Treatment of oedema—excess body fluid that may cause swollen ankles, other swelling or breathlessness.
How does amiloride hydrochloride + bumetanide work?
Bumetanide helps the kidneys pass more salt and water. Amiloride has a milder diuretic effect and reduces urinary potassium loss. Potassium can still become too high or too low, so monitoring is needed.
amiloride hydrochloride + bumetanide preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 1 mg + 5 mg
How to take amiloride hydrochloride + bumetanide
Follow the prescription label and prescriber’s instructions. Increased urination can affect journeys, sleep and access to a toilet.
Swallow the tablet with at least half a glass of water.
Take it consistently at the instructed time.
The score line is not intended for breaking.
Do not change or stop treatment without discussing it with the prescriber.
amiloride hydrochloride + bumetanide side effects
Common or expected effects
- The frequency of adverse effects is not known for this combination. Reported effects include nausea, indigestion, abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea or constipation.
- Headache, dizziness, tiredness, thirst, muscle cramps, tingling or light-headedness on standing may occur.
- Rash, itching, sensitivity to sunlight, tinnitus, palpitations, gout or sexual difficulties have been reported.
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction or a blistering, peeling skin reaction.
- Severe dehydration, marked confusion, fainting or very little urine.
- Fast or irregular heartbeat, which may indicate an electrolyte disturbance.
- Kidney problems, jaundice, unexplained bruising or recurrent infections.
- New hearing loss, especially with other medicines that can damage hearing.
amiloride hydrochloride + bumetanide in pregnancy
There are limited pregnancy data for this combination. It should be used only when clearly necessary and when expected maternal benefit justifies potential fetal risk. Specialist review and additional fetal growth monitoring may be appropriate.
amiloride hydrochloride + bumetanide while breastfeeding
The selected product should not be taken while breastfeeding because information about transfer into milk is insufficient. Discuss an alternative with the prescriber rather than changing treatment without advice.
amiloride hydrochloride + bumetanide interactions
Check prescribed, over-the-counter and complementary products with a pharmacist or prescriber. Important interactions include:
Potassium supplements or other potassium-sparing diuretics
Concurrent use is contraindicated because dangerous hyperkalaemia may occur.
ACE inhibitors, angiotensin-II receptor blockers, ciclosporin or trilostane
These can further increase potassium, particularly when kidney function is impaired.
Lithium
Lithium concentrations and toxicity may increase, requiring close level monitoring.
Common questions about amiloride hydrochloride + bumetanide
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is amiloride hydrochloride + bumetanide used for?
It treats oedema when prompt removal of excess fluid is required, particularly when conserving potassium is important.
Can it still cause high potassium?
Yes. Amiloride can cause hyperkalaemia, especially with kidney impairment or other potassium-raising medicines.
Can I take potassium supplements with it?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.