Amiloride
Amiloride is a potassium-sparing diuretic used for high blood pressure and fluid retention (oedema), sold here as a 5mg tablet.
A diuretic that keeps potassium in
Most water tablets push sodium out through the urine, and potassium tends to leave with it. Amiloride works differently. It blocks the sodium channels in the last stretch of the kidney tubule, so salt and the water that follows it are passed out while potassium stays in the blood. That is what potassium-sparing means. The flush of fluid is gentle compared with stronger diuretics, which is why amiloride is often given alongside one of them: it offsets the potassium loss the other medicine causes.
What it is used for
Two main jobs. It brings down high blood pressure, and it clears oedema — the swelling of ankles, legs or abdomen that builds up in heart failure and liver disease. It is also used when a stronger diuretic has been draining potassium for a while and the level needs protecting. Amiloride suits steady, long-term control rather than a sudden large build-up of fluid.
Taking the tablets
The shop lists one product, Amiloride tablets in 5mg, with amiloride as the only active ingredient. Starting treatment is usually one tablet a day, in the morning so that the extra urine comes during daytime hours. Water is enough to swallow it with, and a bite of food helps if your stomach objects. A fixed time of day evens out the effect. Because amiloride is mild, it often forms one part of a regimen that also includes a thiazide or loop diuretic, an ACE inhibitor or a beta-blocker, all found in the heart and blood pressure medicines range. Keep the pack closed, away from damp and sun.
Side effects
Headache, dizziness, tiredness, nausea and loss of appetite are the complaints that come up most, and many people find they ease as the body adjusts to carrying less fluid. Muscle cramps can happen too. The effect to keep in mind is a potassium level that climbs too high, which shows as muscle weakness, numbness or tingling, a slow or irregular heartbeat, or confusion. Too little fluid brings thirst, a dry mouth, drowsiness and passing very little urine. Swelling of the face or throat, a widespread rash or difficulty breathing needs urgent treatment.
Potassium, salt substitutes and other medicines
Anything that adds potassium on top of amiloride can tip the level too high: potassium tablets, salt substitutes made with potassium chloride, and other potassium-sparing diuretics such as spironolactone and triamterene. ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ramipril, losartan and similar), lithium, the antibiotic trimethoprim, and anti-inflammatory painkillers like ibuprofen and naproxen also interact — they can raise potassium, reduce the fluid amiloride clears, or both.
Sources
- Amiloride: MedlinePlus Drug Information — National Library of Medicine
- Fluid retention | healthdirect — Healthdirect Australia
Is Amiloride available to order in Hong Kong?
Amiloride can be ordered online from PockDose with delivery to Hong Kong. The range on this page is Amiloride tablets in 5mg, the plain version of the ingredient. Delivery to Hong Kong is by tracked courier, taking 5 to 9 business days, with online tracking.
How much does Amiloride cost?
The price depends on the strength and pack size you choose. The Amiloride page shows current prices in HKD or the currency you select.
Do I need a prescription to order Amiloride?
PockDose does not ask you to upload a prescription when you order amiloride. See the ordering FAQ for details.
What are the other names for amiloride?
Amiloride is sold under brand names including Midamor. Here, amiloride can be bought online as amiloride tablets. These are generics, not the original brand.
What is the difference between amiloride and spironolactone?
Both are potassium-sparing diuretics, but they work differently: amiloride blocks sodium channels in the kidney directly, while spironolactone blocks aldosterone, the hormone that tells the kidney to hold on to sodium. Each is usually paired with a stronger diuretic, and the two are rarely taken together because potassium can climb too high.
Can I drink alcohol with amiloride?
Alcohol can make amiloride's effects more noticeable. It lowers blood pressure and dehydrates, so dizziness, light-headedness and a dry mouth may be stronger after drinking, particularly in hot weather. Large amounts are more likely to cause trouble than a single drink with a meal.
Which foods should I watch while taking amiloride?
Salt substitutes are the main one: most are made from potassium chloride, which acts much like a potassium supplement. Potassium-rich foods such as bananas, oranges, potatoes and spinach are fine in normal amounts. Potassium tablets and mineral supplements add far more potassium than food does.
Can I take ibuprofen with amiloride?
Ibuprofen, naproxen and similar anti-inflammatory painkillers can blunt amiloride's fluid-clearing effect and raise potassium, especially with regular use, so a one-off dose is a different matter from a daily habit. Paracetamol does not act on the kidneys in the same way.
Is amiloride the same as furosemide?
No. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that shifts a lot of fluid and tends to drain potassium with it; amiloride is a mild potassium-sparing diuretic that clears less fluid but protects potassium. They are often used together, and combined tablets of the two exist.