What is/are Amiloride and Hydrochlorothiazide?

AMILORIDE; HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE is a combination of two types of diuretics. It helps you make more urine and to lose excess water from your body. This medicine is used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• diabetes
• immune system problems, like lupus
• kidney disease
• small amount of urine
• unusual or allergic reaction to amiloride, hydrochlorothiazide, other diuretics, sulfa drugs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine with food. Take it at regular intervals. Remember that you will need to pass urine frequently after taking this medicine. Do not take your doses at a time of day that will cause you problems. Do not take at bedtime. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep this medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• eplerenone
• potassium sparing diuretics
• quinidine

This medicine may also interact with the following:

• ACE inhibitors for heart or kidney disease like captopril, lisinopril
• antiinflammatory drugs, NSAIDs like ibuprofen
• alcohol
• barbiturate medicines for sleep or seizure control
• cholestyramine, colestipol
• cyclosporine
• lithium
• medicines for diabetes
• medicines for high blood pressure or heart failure
• muscle relaxers
• neuromuscular blockers used during surgery
• other diuretics
• potassium supplements
• some medicines for pain like codeine
• steroid hormones like cortisone, hydrocortisone, prednisone
• tacrolimus

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure as directed. Ask your doctor what your blood pressure should be, and when you should contact them. If you are diabetic, check your blood sugar as directed.

You may need to be on a special diet while taking this medicine. Ask your doctor. You must not get dehydrated. Ask your doctor or health care professional how much fluid you need to drink a day. Check with him or her if you get an attack of severe diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, or if you sweat a lot. The loss of too much body fluid can make it dangerous for you to take this medicine.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• black or tarry stools
• breathing problems
• fast, irregular heartbeat
• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
• fever
• muscle pain, cramps
• numbness, tingling in hands or feet
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
• unusual bleeding
• unusually weak or tired
• worsened gout pain
• yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• blurred vision
• change in sex drive or performance
• constipation
• dry mouth, increased thirst
• enlarged, tender breasts
• headache
• irregular menstrual periods
• stomach pain

This list may not describe all possible side effects.