What Is Amiloride Used For?

Amiloride uses are primarily concerned with treating high blood pressure and fluid retention. In most cases, the drug should not be used alone, but rather in combination with other diuretics -- especially those that cause a decrease in potassium levels. At times, amiloride is used for off-label reasons, such as the treatment of water retention that is related to liver problems.

 

What Is Amiloride Used For? -- An Overview

Amiloride (Midamor®) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat a couple of conditions. These specific amiloride uses include:
 
Amiloride 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. Amiloride should be used along with other diuretics in most situations.
 

Why Is Amiloride 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 has been shown to significantly lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressures. As a result, it 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). Amiloride is not a cure for high blood pressure, however.
 
(What Is Amiloride 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;