Amiloride is a drug belonging to the group of potassium-sparing diuretics. Its action is expressed in contrasting the effects of aldosterone (steroid hormone produced by the outer layer of the adrenal cortex) in the kidneys, thus promoting the elimination of sodium and water, as well as the retention of potassium.
What is Amiloride for?
It employs in dell ‘therapy hypertension, of heart failure congestive, liver cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome and hyperaldosteronism.
How is Amiloride taken?
It can be administered orally, in the form of tablets or powder for suspension, or parenterally (powder and solvent for solution for injection).
Side effects of Amiloride
The most common side effects of taking amiloride are:
- neurological disorders: lightheadedness, weakness, headache, dizziness;
- muscle cramps;
- hyperkalaemia or hyperkalaemia;
- hyponatremia or hyposodyemia;
- gastrointestinal disorders: feeling sick, retching, abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation, thirst, dry mouth;
- dermatological disorders: skin rash, itchy sensation .
Contraindications and warnings of Amiloride
The use of the drug is not recommended in children and in people with chronic renal failure. It is contraindicated in patients with diabetes mellitus, with cardiopulmonary pathologies and in subjects with hyperkalaemia and must be carefully monitored in the elderly.Amyloride can cause hyperkalaemia, particularly in patients with kidney failure, diabetes mellitus and in the elderly.Since the elderly person is particularly at risk of developing hyposodyemia during treatment with diuretic drugs, it is advisable to use the drug with caution.The use of amiloride is contraindicated for pregnant and breastfeeding women
