| name | Amiloride |
| classification | Potassium-sparing diuretic |
| pharmacokinetics | Amiloride is absorbed readily from the gastrointestinal tract. Peak plasma concentrations are reached within 1-4 hours. It is extensively bound to plasma proteins (approximately 70%). The drug is primarily excreted unchanged in the urine. The elimination half-life is variable, but generally around 9-22 hours. |
| suggested dosage | | adult | 2.5 to 5 mg once daily. Maximum dose: 10 mg/day. Dosage adjustments may be necessary based on individual patient response and renal function. | | special considerations | Patients with renal impairment may require a lower dose or adjusted dosing schedule. Consult with a healthcare professional. | | patient specific info | For a 70 kg male patient aged 25, the typical starting dosage would be 2.5-5 mg once daily. However, a healthcare provider should determine the specific dosage based on the patient's individual needs and renal function. |
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| indications | | 1 | Essential hypertension | | 2 | Hyperaldosteronism | | 3 | Edema associated with congestive heart failure (CHF) | | 4 | Prevention of hypokalemia in patients receiving loop or thiazide diuretics. |
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| safety in pregnancy | Amiloride is not generally recommended during pregnancy unless the potential benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risk to the fetus. Limited data is available, but the drug may be associated with some potential risks, so use during pregnancy should be discussed with a healthcare provider. |
| safety in breastfeeding | Amiloride is excreted in breast milk. Because of potential for adverse effects in a nursing infant, its use during breastfeeding should be carefully considered and discussed with a healthcare professional. |
| side effects | | 1 | Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) | | 2 | Headache | | 3 | Dizziness | | 4 | Fatigue | | 5 | Muscle weakness | | 6 | Hyperkalemia (elevated potassium levels in blood, which can be serious) | | 7 | Metabolic acidosis | | 8 | Dry mouth | | 9 | Amenorrhea | | 10 | Renal insufficiency | | 11 | Edema |
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| alternatives | |
| contraindications | | 1 | Severe renal insufficiency | | 2 | Hyperkalemia | | 3 | Hypersensitivity to amiloride or sulfonamides | | 4 | Severe dehydration |
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| interactions | | 1 | Potassium-containing salt substitutes, potassium supplements, other potassium-sparing diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and angiotensin receptor blockers can increase the risk of hyperkalemia. | | 2 | NSAIDs may reduce the diuretic effect of amiloride. | | 3 | The use of amiloride with other drugs that can affect renal function needs to be carefully monitored by a physician. |
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| warnings and precautions | Monitor serum potassium levels closely, especially in patients with renal impairment or those receiving other medications that can affect potassium levels. Avoid using in patients with a history of hypersensitivity or those with risk factors for developing hyperkalemia. Consult a healthcare provider before using with other medications, or if patient has other medical conditions. |
| additional informations | Amiloride is an oral medication that requires careful patient monitoring. Patients should be instructed to avoid salt substitutes without consulting a physician. Regular blood tests are crucial for closely monitoring kidney function and electrolytes during treatment. |
| patient age considerations | While amiloride can be used in a 25-year-old male, its use should be considered with special attention to potential interactions and side effects. Regular monitoring is crucial. |
