Health Library

Amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide (By mouth)

Amiloride Hydrochloride (a-MIL-oh-ride hye-droe-KLOR-ide), Hydrochlorothiazide (hye-droe-klor-oh-THYE-a-zide)

Treats fluid retention (edema) and high blood pressure. This medicine is a combination of two types of diuretic (water pill).

Brand Name(s):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Swallow the tablet whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it.
• It is best to take this medicine with food or milk.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not use this medicine if you are also using potassium supplements or salt substitutes, or you are taking another diuretic, including spironolactone or triamterene.
• Some medicines and foods can affect how this medicine works. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
  • Cholestyramine, colestipol, cyclosporine, digoxin, dofetilide, lithium, norepinephrine, tacrolimus
  • Blood pressure medicine (including ACE inhibitors, ARBs)
  • Insulin or oral diabetes medicine
  • Muscle relaxant
  • NSAIDs (including indomethacin)
  • Steroid medicine
• Alcohol, narcotic pain relievers, or sleeping pills may cause you to feel more lightheaded, dizzy, or faint when used with this medicine. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol or use pain relievers or sleeping pills.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease (including cirrhosis), heart disease, diabetes, gout, or lupus.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • New or worsening lupus
  • New or worsening gout
  • Increased risk of skin cancer
• This medicine could lower your blood pressure too much and cause you to feel dizzy or lightheaded. Sit or lie down if you feel dizzy. Stand up carefully.
• Do not stop using this medicine without asking your doctor, even if you feel well. This medicine will not cure your high blood pressure, but it will help keep it in the normal range. You may have to take blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.
• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Chest pain (may be related to your disease and not a side effect)
• Confusion, weakness, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or lips
• Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea, or vomiting
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Problems urinating, pain in side or lower back
• Severe diarrhea or stomach pain
• Skin rash or itching
• Sores, reddish patch or irritated area, shiny bump, pink growth, or white, yellow or waxy scar-like area on the skin
• Unusual bleeding or bruising

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Constipation, mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or upset stomach
• Loss of appetite
• Problems having sex

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024