amiloride-oral (cont.)
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: diabetes, kidney or liver disease, drug allergies. Caution must be observed when eating large amounts of food high in potassium such as bananas, baked potatoes, cantaloupe, avocado, raisins, cooked spinach and other foods. Consult your doctor or nutritionist. Alcoholic beverages may increase the effects of this drug, causing dizziness or lightheadedness. Limit alcohol intake. Use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness. Because this drug changes your fluid balance, you may feel dizzy if you change from a lying to a standing position too rapidly. Avoid this by sitting up a few minutes before rising. If an illness causes severe vomiting or diarrhea, the fluid balance in your body can be upset. Contact your doctor. Unlike other diuretics, amiloride does not cause potassium loss from the body. Do not use salt substitutes without your doctor's permission. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this drug. It is not known if this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription drugs you are taking, especially of: ACE Inhibitors (e.g., captopril, lisinopril), Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs such as losartan, valsartan), digoxin, lithium, potassium supplements, triamterene, spironolactone, medication for arthritis, diabetes medications, high blood pressure drugs. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, weakness, and lightheadedness.
NOTES: It is important to continue taking this drug even if you do not experience symptoms of high blood pressure. Do not allow anyone else to use this medication.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.
Last Editorial Review: 3/2/2005
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Electrolytes - Read about blood electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicorbonate) and the effects of electrolyte imbalances like kidney failure, low blood pressure, hypokalemia, and hyperkalemia.
- High Blood Pressure - Learn about high blood pressure symptoms like headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, blurred vision and more. Causes, and normal blood pressure information is included.
- Edema - Read about edema, an observable swelling in certain parts of the body. Edema may fall into one of two categories: pitting and non-pitting edema. When applying pressure to the swollen skin results in persistent indentation, that's called pitting edema. Treatment for edema typically involves the use of diuretics.
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