INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS
AMILORIDE 5MG TABLETS BP
Read all of this leaflet
carefully before you start taking this medicine.
If you have further questions,
please ask your doctor or your pharmacist.
This medicine has been prescribed
for you personally and you should not pass it on to
others. It may harm them, even if their symptoms are
the same as yours.
In this
leaflet:
-
1. What amiloride is and what it is used for
-
2. Before you take amiloride
-
3. How to take amiloride
-
4. Possible side effects
-
5. Storing amiloride tablets
AMILORIDE 5MG TABLETS BP
The active
substance is amiloride hydrochloride (anhydrous
equivalent) 5.0mg.
The other
ingredients are lactose monohydrate, starch, povidone,
sodium starch glycollate, magnesium stearate, dispersed
quinoline yellow lake E104 and isopropanol
1. WHAT
AMILORIDE IS AND WHAT IT IS USED FOR
Amiloride
belongs to the class of drugs known as potassium-sparing
diuretics (water tablets) which increase urine
production, but conserve potassium.
Amiloride is
used either alone or in combination with other diuretics
(water tablets) to treat fluid retention (oedema) and
high blood pressure.
2.
BEFORE YOU TAKE AMILORIDE TABLETS
If you have
any doubts about whether you should take these tablets
then discuss things fully with your doctor BEFORE taking
them.
Do not take
amiloride if:-
- You
have been told that you are sensitive to amiloride
or any other ingredients in this tablet. Check by
reading the ingredients above.
- You
have been told you have high levels of potassium in
your blood (hyperkalaemia) or are taking other
potassium conserving drugs or potassium supplements.
- You
have diabetes, kidney or liver problems.
- You
are under 18 years of age.
Take
special care with amiloride:
If your
doctor tells you that you need a glucose tolerance
test, you should stop taking amiloride for at least
three days before the test. Your doctor will advise
you.
If you
are elderly or seriously ill you may be more
sensitive to the effects of amiloride.
Pregnancy
Ask your
doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any
medicine if you are pregnant or wish to become
pregnant.
Breast-feeding
Ask you
doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any
medicine if you start breast-feeding whist taking
this medicine.
Driving and using machines:
If you
feel dizzy while taking amiloride tablets don't
drive or operate dangerous machinery.
Drinking alcohol:
If you
feel dizzy while taking the tablets drinking alcohol
can make this problem worse.
Taking other medicines:
Please
inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking
or have recently taken any other medicines, even
those not prescribed.
There
may be some problems when amiloride tablets are
taken with other medicines, including:
Medicines used for lowering high blood pressure,
including ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers,
alpha-blockers, calcium channel blockers and
angiotensin-II antagonists.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as
aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac and indometacin)
Trilostane, used to treat adrenal gland problems
Some
oral contraceptives (the pill) or oestrogen (female
sex hormone) preparations
Chlorpropamide, a drug used to treat diabetes
Medicines used to treat depression including
tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline and
monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as
phenelzine.
Alprostadil, used to treat male impotence and for
heart defects in infants
Carbamazepine, used to treat epilepsy
Carbenoxolone, used to treat stomach ulcers
Ciclosporin and tacrolimus, used to prevent organ
rejection in transplantation
Lithium,
used to treat mental problems
Quinidine, used to treat disorders of heart rhythm.
Steroids, used to suppress inflammation and allergy.
Terfenadine, used to treat hayfever and other
allergies.
Tizanidine, used to relax muscles
+
3. HOW
TO TAKE AMILORIDE TABLETS
The usual
dose of amiloride in adults is 5mg to 10mg once or twice
daily. Your doctor may decide to increase the dose up to
a maximum of four tablets daily. If used with other
diuretics (water tablets) the usual dose is 5mg or 10 mg
daily.
If you are
elderly you may be given a different dose which will be
decided by your doctor.
If you have
the impression that the effect of amiloride is too
strong or too weak, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Your doctor
will decide which dose is best for you. Always follow
your doctor's instructions completely and also follow
any special instructions or warnings that appear on the
label that the pharmacist has put on the package. If you
do not understand, or are in any doubt, ask your doctor
or pharmacist.
To obtain a
tablet, press on the tablet from the blister (or bubble)
side, pushing it through the foil. Do not remove the
tablet from the blister until you are ready to take it.
Do not stop
taking amiloride tablets unless your doctor tells you
to.
If you take
more amiloride tablets than you should you may feel
dehydrated (very thirsty).
Contact your doctor, pharmacist or hospital as soon as
possible.
Take this leaflet and any tablets you have left to show
your doctor or pharmacist
If you
forget to take your amiloride tablets:
Take another
as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your
next dose then do not take the missed dose at all.
Never double
the next dose to make up for the one missed.
4.
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
Like all
medicines, amiloride can have side-effects in some
patients, particularly when treatment is first started.
These include feeling sick, being sick, constipation or
diarrhoea, stomach pain, headache, dizziness
(particularly on standing up), muscle cramps, dry mouth,
thirst, weakness, feeling sleepy or confusion. Changes
in blood composition may occur, especially high blood
potassium.
Other side-effects include rash, itching, pins and
needles, mood or personality changes, reduced sexual
desire, liver problems, including jaundice (skin or
whites of the eyes turn yellow) in patients who already
have liver disease. Rarely, blood disorders have been
reported.
If you notice any side effects not mentioned in this
leaflet or feel that the medicine is affecting you
badly, please inform your doctor or pharmacist.
5.
STORING AMILORIDE TABLETS
Keep out of
the reach and sight of children
Store in the
original package container. Do not transfer them to
another container.
Keep the
container in the outer carton
Do not use
after the expiry date stated on the label.
Do not take
your amiloride tablets if you notice that they show
signs of deterioration such as discoloration.
REMEMBER
this medicine has been prescribed for you. DO NOT give
it to anyone else as it may harm them, even if their
symptoms are the same as yours.
Unless your
doctor tells you to, do not keep tablets that you no
longer need. Give them back to your pharmacist.