What Is Amiloride-HCTZ Used For?

Amiloride-HCTZ is used for the treatment of high blood pressure or water retention associated with congestive heart failure in adults. The drug is not approved for use in children. It works by increasing the amount of salt and water that is removed from the blood, which causes a decrease in blood volume. "Off-label" amiloride-HCTZ uses include the treatment of water retention due to liver problems.

 

What Is Amiloride-HCTZ Used For? -- An Overview

Amiloride-HCTZ (Moduretic®) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat a couple of conditions. These specific uses include:
 
The medication should only be used in people who develop low potassium levels (hypokalemia) while taking other diuretics or in people who cannot risk low potassium levels due to other medical conditions.
 

Why Is Amiloride-HCTZ Used for High Blood Pressure?

A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers -- for example: 120/80. The top number is known as the systolic blood pressure, and the bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure. High blood pressure is defined as an average blood pressure higher than 140/90, with multiple blood pressure readings.
 
In clinical studies, amiloride-HCTZ has been shown to significantly lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressures. As a result, the drug can decrease the risk of developing health problems, such as stroke, heart disease, or congestive heart failure, that often occur with long-term high blood pressure (see Effects of High Blood Pressure). The medication is not a cure for high blood pressure, however.
 
(What Is Amiloride-HCTZ Used For? Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;