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Also indexed as:
Midamor
Combination drug:
Amiloride is a potassium-sparing (prevents excess loss of potassium) diuretic drug. Diuretics increase urinary water loss from the body and are used to treat high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, and some kidney or liver conditions.
Summary of Interactions for Amiloride
| Depletion or interference | None known |
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| Adverse interaction |
Magnesium* |
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| Side effect reduction/prevention | None known |
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| Supportive interaction | None known |
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| Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability | None known |
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| Other (see text) |
Potassium
Sodium |
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An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary
indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary,
and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
Folic acid
One study showed that people taking diuretics for more than six months had dramatically lower blood levels of folic acid and higher levels of homocysteine compared with individuals not taking diuretics.1 Homocysteine, a toxic amino acid byproduct, has been associated with atherosclerosis. Until further information is available, people taking diuretics for longer than six months should probably supplement with folic acid.
Magnesium
Preliminary research in animals suggests that amiloride may reduce the urinary excretion of magnesium.2 It is unknown if this same effect would occur in humans. Nevertheless, persons taking more than 300 mg of magnesium per day and amiloride should consult with a doctor, as this combination may lead to potentially dangerous elevations in levels of magnesium in the body. The combination of amiloride and hydrochlorothiazide would likely eliminate this problem, as hydrochlorothiazide may deplete magnesium.
Potassium
As a potassium-sparing drug, amiloride reduces urinary loss of potassium.3 This can cause potassium levels to build up in the body. People taking this drug should avoid use of potassium chloride-containing products, such as Morton Salt Substitute, No Salt, Lite Salt, and others. Even eating several pieces of fruit per day can sometimes cause problems for people taking potassium-sparing diuretics, due to the high potassium content of fruit.
However, one medication (Moduretic) contains the combination of the potassium-sparing drug amiloride and the potassium-depleting drug hydrochlorothiazide. With the use of Moduretic, potassium excess and potassium depletion are both possible. People taking this combination drug should have their potassium levels monitored by a doctor to determine whether their potassium intake should be increased, reduced, or kept the same.
Sodium
Diuretics, including amiloride, cause increased loss of sodium in urine. By removing sodium from the body, diuretics cause water to leave the body as well. This reduction of water in the body is the purpose of taking amiloride. Therefore, there is usually no reason to replace lost sodium, although strict limitation of salt intake in combination with the action of diuretics can sometimes cause excessive sodium depletion. On the other hand, people who restrict sodium intake and in the process reduce blood pressure may need to have the dose of their diuretics lowered.
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Morrow LE, Grimsley EW. Long-term diuretic therapy in hypertensive patients: effects on serum homocysteine, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and red blood cell folate concentrations. South Med J 1999;92:866-70.
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Devane J, Ryan MP. The effects of amiloride and triamterene on urinary magnesium excretion in conscious saline-loaded rats. Br J Pharmacol 1981;72:285-9.
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Ramsay LE, Hettiarachchi J, Fraser R, Morton JJ. Amiloride, spironolactone, and potassium chloride in thiazide-treated hypertensive patients. Clin Pharmacol Ther 1980;27:533-43.
Last Review: 09-07-2006  Copyright © 2007 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved. www.healthnotes.com Please read the disclaimer about the limitations of the information provided here. Do NOT rely solely on the information in this article.
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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires August 2007.
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