Amiloride-HCTZ

Amiloride-HCTZ may be prescribed for people who have high blood pressure or water retention associated with congestive heart failure. The drug works by increasing the amount of salt and water removed from the blood, which causes a decrease in blood volume. Amiloride-HCTZ comes in the form of a tablet that is usually taken once a day. Common side effects include rash, dizziness, and headache.

Amiloride-HCTZ Medication

What Is Amiloride-HCTZ?

Amiloride-HCTZ (Moduretic^®) is a prescription medicine that is used as a diuretic for high blood pressure and fluid retention. It is a combination of two diuretic medications: amiloride and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ).

Who Makes Amiloride-HCTZ?

Brand-name amiloride-HCTZ was originally made by Merck, but is no longer being made. Generic amiloride-HCTZ is still available and is made by a few different manufacturers.

What Is Amiloride-HCTZ Used For?

Specific uses of amiloride-HCTZ include:

Controlling high blood pressure (hypertension)
Treating water retention (edema) associated with congestive heart failure (CHF).

(Click What Is Amiloride-HCTZ Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)

How Does Amiloride-HCTZ Work?

Amiloride-HCTZ is a diuretic, which is commonly referred to as a "water pill." It contains two diuretics that work together to keep electrolyte levels in balance. Hydrochlorothiazide, while effective, often causes low potassium levels in the blood. On the other hand, amiloride is a "potassium-sparing" diuretic, meaning that it can actually increase potassium levels in the blood. When taken together, these medications balance each other out.

Amiloride-HCTZ works by increasing the amount of salt and water the kidneys remove from the blood. This extra salt and water is then passed out through the urine. By increasing the amount of water removed from the blood, amiloride-HCTZ causes a decrease in blood volume. Because of this effect, the drug can lower blood pressure and can also help with water retention.

(Amiloride-HCTZ Continued: Page 2)