amiloride hydrochloride dihydrate + furosemide at a glance
Medicine class
Combined loop and potassium-sparing diuretic.
Main role
Relieves fluid retention when conserving potassium is particularly important.
Practical effect
Urination usually increases soon after taking it.
What is amiloride hydrochloride dihydrate + furosemide used for?
The selected product is licensed when prompt removal of excess fluid is needed and potassium conservation is important.
Fluid retention associated with congestive cardiac failure
Nephrosis
Fluid retention caused by corticosteroid or oestrogen therapy
Ascites associated with liver cirrhosis
How does amiloride hydrochloride dihydrate + furosemide work?
Furosemide increases sodium, chloride and water loss in the kidney. Amiloride promotes sodium loss while limiting potassium excretion. The combination increases urine production with less potassium loss than furosemide alone, although potassium can still become too low or too high.
amiloride hydrochloride dihydrate + furosemide preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 2.5 mg + 20 mg, 5 mg + 40 mg
How to take amiloride hydrochloride dihydrate + furosemide
Take the tablets exactly as prescribed and swallow with water. Plan for increased urination. Do not take sucralfate at the same time because it can reduce furosemide absorption. Seek advice during vomiting, diarrhoea or fever because dehydration can develop.
Do not change or stop treatment without discussing it with the prescriber.
Avoid driving or operating machinery if dizziness or drowsiness occurs.
Check with the prescriber how much fluid is appropriate for your condition.
amiloride hydrochloride dihydrate + furosemide side effects
Common or expected effects
- Passing urine more often
- Thirst or dry mouth
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Headache
- Muscle twitching
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including facial or throat swelling and breathing difficulty
- Severe blistering or peeling skin reaction
- Dehydration or electrolyte disturbance causing confusion, fainting, cramps, weakness or an abnormal heartbeat
- Severe abdominal or back pain suggesting pancreatitis
- New hearing loss or ringing in the ears
- Unusual bruising, repeated infections or marked tiredness suggesting a blood disorder
- Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine or worsening confusion in someone with liver disease
amiloride hydrochloride dihydrate + furosemide in pregnancy
This combination is not recommended during pregnancy unless there are compelling medical reasons. Anyone pregnant or planning pregnancy should contact the prescriber rather than stopping treatment independently.
amiloride hydrochloride dihydrate + furosemide while breastfeeding
Breastfeeding must be avoided with the selected product. Furosemide enters breast milk and may reduce milk production, while information about amiloride is insufficient; the prescriber should review alternatives.
amiloride hydrochloride dihydrate + furosemide interactions
A full medication review is important because interactions can alter blood pressure, kidney function, potassium or medicine toxicity.
Potassium supplements or other potassium-sparing diuretics
This combination is contraindicated because dangerous high potassium may occur.
ACE inhibitors or angiotensin-II receptor blockers
May cause a marked fall in blood pressure, worsening kidney function and increased potassium.
NSAIDs, including ibuprofen and indometacin
May weaken the diuretic effect and increase kidney-injury risk, particularly during dehydration.
Common questions about amiloride hydrochloride dihydrate + furosemide
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Why are amiloride hydrochloride dihydrate and furosemide combined?
Furosemide provides fluid removal, while amiloride limits potassium loss caused by furosemide.
Can this combination cause high or low potassium?
Yes. Amiloride can raise potassium, while furosemide-related potassium loss can still occur, so blood monitoring is important.
Does it require blood tests?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.