Generic Drugs // Blood Pressure // Amiloride Hydrochlorothiazide (Moduretic)

Why is Moduretic prescribed?
Moduretic is a diuretic combination used in the treatment of high blood pressure and congestive heart failure, conditions which require the elimination of excess fluid (water) from the body. When used for high blood pressure, Moduretic can be used alone or with other high blood pressure medications. Diuretics help your body produce and eliminate more urine, which helps lower blood pressure. Amiloride, one of the ingredients, helps minimize the potassium loss that can be caused by the other component, hydrochlorothiazide.

Why is Moduretic prescribed?
Moduretic is a diuretic combination used in the treatment of high blood pressure and congestive heart failure, conditions which require the elimination of excess fluid (water) from the body. When used for high blood pressure, Moduretic can be used alone or with other high blood pressure medications. Diuretics help your body produce and eliminate more urine, which helps lower blood pressure. Amiloride, one of the ingredients, helps minimize the potassium loss that can be caused by the other component, hydrochlorothiazide.

Most important fact about Moduretic
If you have high blood pressure, you must take Moduretic regularly for it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may be several weeks before you get the full benefit of Moduretic; and you must continue taking it even if you are feeling well. Moduretic does not cure high blood pressure; it merely keeps it under control.

How should you take Moduretic?
Take Moduretic with food.

Take Moduretic exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Stopping Moduretic suddenly could cause your condition to worsen.

    * If you miss a dose...
      Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next does, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take a double dose.

    * Storage instructions...
      Store at room temperature. Keep Moduretic in the container it came in, tightly closed, and protected from moisture, light, and freezing.

What side effects may occur?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Moduretic.

    * Side effects may include:
      Diarrhea, dizziness, elevated potassium levels, fatigue, headache, irregular heartbeat, itching, leg pain, loss of appetite, nausea, rash, shortness of breath, stomach and intestinal pain, weakness

Why should Moduretic not be prescribed?
If you are unable to urinate or have serious kidney disease, or if you have high potassium levels in your blood, you should not take Moduretic.

If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to amiloride, hydrochlorothiazide or similar drugs, or if you are sensitive to other sulfonamide-derived drugs, you should not take Moduretic. Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you may have experienced.

Special warnings about Moduretic
Potassium supplements, potassium-containing salt substitutes, and other diuretics (such as triamterene) that minimize loss of potassium should not be used while you are taking moduretic unless your doctor specifically says otherwise. You should also limit your consumption of potassium-rich foods such as bananas, prunes, raisins, orange juice, and whole and skim milk. Ask your doctor for advice on how much of these foods to consume.

If you are taking Moduretic, a complete assessment of your kidney function should be done; kidney function should continue to be monitored.
If you are taking an ACE-inhibitor type of blood pressure medication such as enalapril, Moduretic should be used with extreme caution.
If you have liver disease, diabetes, gout, or collagen vascular disease (lupus erythematosus), Moduretic should be used with caution.
If you have bronchial asthma or a history of allergies, you may be at risk for an allergic reaction to Moduretic.

Dehydration, excessive sweating, severe diarrhea or vomiting could deplete your fluids and cause your blood pressure to become too low. Be careful when exercising and in hot weather.

Notify your doctor or dentist that you are taking Moduretic if you have a medical emergency or before you have surgery.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Moduretic
Moduretic may increase the effects of alcohol. Avoid alcohol while taking Moduretic.

If Moduretic is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Moduretic with the following:

ACE inhibitors such as enalapril
Barbiturates such as phenobarbital
Cholestyramine
Colestipol
Corticosteroids such as prednisone
Cyclosporine
Insulin
Lithium
Muscle relaxants such as tubocurarine
Narcotics such as oxycodone
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as naproxen
Norepinephrine
Oral drugs for treating diabetes such as glyburide
Other high blood pressure medications
Tacrolimus

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of Moduretic during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Moduretic appears in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If Moduretic is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment is finished.

Recommended dosage for Moduretic
Your doctor will tailor the dosage to meet your individual requirements, taking into consideration other medical conditions you may have and other medications you may be taking.

ADULTS
The usual starting dose is 1 tablet per day, which may be increased to 2 tablets per day taken at the same time or separately.

CHILDREN
The safety and effectiveness of Moduretic have not been established in children.

Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can cause symptoms of overdose. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

No specific information on symptoms of Moduretic overdose is available, but dehydration might be expected.