Chemical Name: AMILORIDE (a-MILL-oh-ride) and HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE (hye-droe-klor-oh-THYE-a-zide)
This medicine is a potassium-sparing and thiazide diuretic combination used to treat high blood pressure and swelling due to excess body water. It may be also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
WARNING: This medicine can raise your body's potassium levels. This is more likely to occur in people with kidney problems, diabetes, in elderly patients, or if the patient is severely ill. Potassium levels must be closely monitored in people with any of these problems or illnesses. If not treated, high potassium levels can be fatal. If you develop any of the following symptoms, notify your doctor immediately: muscle weakness, slow or irregular heartbeat. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking dofetilide or potassium. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and indomethacin), diazoxide, lithium, quinidine, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, or medicine for heart conditions (ACE inhibitors). Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. THIS MEDICINE MAY BE TAKEN WITH FOOD if it upsets your stomach. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE an increase in urine or in frequency of urination. To prevent this from affecting sleep, if you are taking 1 dose daily, take it in the morning after breakfast. If you are taking more than 1 dose, take the last one no later than 6 pm. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
IF YOU HAVE HAD A SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine or any other sulfonamide medicine (such as Septra DS, Bactrim DS, Gantrisin, glyburide, or probenecid), contact your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine. A severe reaction includes a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or dizziness. If you have a question about whether you are allergic to this medicine or if a certain medicine is a sulfonamide, contact your doctor or pharmacist. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE dizziness. Drinking alcohol will increase this effect. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun or sunlamps until you know how you react to this medicine. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period. DO NOT USE A SALT SUBSTITUTE or potassium supplement without checking with your doctor. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Caution should be used in the elderly since they may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug. FOR WOMEN: THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include dizziness or lightheadedness when standing or sitting up, nausea, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience leg or muscle cramps; rapid, weak, or irregular heartbeat; mental confusion; stomach pain; vomiting; rash; dry mouth; or excessive thirst. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include fainting, muscle weakness, slow or shallow breathing, dizziness, confusion, unusually slow heartbeat, or seizures.
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
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