Information on Moduretic and How to Use It, Precautions and Other Medications to Avoid While Taking

This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.

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Moduretic 5-50 Consumer Information

MODURETIC 5-50

Generic Name: hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride (hye dro klor oh THYE a zide and a MILL oh ride)

Brand Names: Moduretic 5-50

What is the most important information I should know about hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride?

  • To reduce nighttime urination, take hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride before 6 p.m. and preferably in the morning.
  • Take hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride with food or milk to avoid stomach upset.
  • Do not use salt substitutes or low-sodium milk products that contain potassium while taking hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride. These products could cause potassium levels in your blood to become dangerously high. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about any salt substitutes you are taking.
  • Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.

What is hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride?

  • Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill). It decreases the amount of fluid in your body by increasing the amount of salt and water you lose in your urine.
  • Amiloride a potassium sparing-diuretic. It is used to reduce the amount of fluid in the body without causing the loss of potassium.
  • Hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride is used to treat edema (swelling) and hypertension (high blood pressure).
  • Hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride?

  • Do not take hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride if you
    • have an allergy to sulfa-based drugs such as sulfa antibiotics,
    • have severe kidney disease,
    • have high levels of potassium in your blood (hyperkalemia), or
    • are taking another diuretic that helps you retain potassium such as spironolactone (Aldactone) or triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide).
  • Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
    • liver disease,
    • high levels of triglycerides or cholesterol (types of fat),
    • kidney stones,
    • gout, or
    • diabetes.
  • You may not be able to take hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
  • Hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Do not, however, take hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
  • Hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
  • If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride. You may require a lower dose of this medication.

How should I take hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride?

  • Take hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
  • Take each dose with a full glass of water.
  • You can take hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride with food or milk to lessen stomach upset.
  • To reduce nighttime urination, take hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride in the morning after breakfast or in the evening no later than 6 p.m.
  • Hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride should begin working about 4 to 6 hours after you take your medication, but it may be a few weeks before you see an improvement in your condition.
  • Do not stop taking hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride suddenly even if you feel better. Stopping suddenly could make your condition much worse.
  • Store the tablets at room temperature away from heat and moisture.

What happens if I miss a dose?

  • Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

  • Seek emergency medical attention.
  • Symptoms of a hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride overdose may include dizziness, fainting, nausea, vomiting, and an irregular heartbeat.

What should I avoid while taking hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride?

  • Do not use salt substitutes or low-sodium milk products that contain potassium while taking hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride. These products could cause potassium levels in your blood to become very high. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about any salt substitutes you are taking.
  • Avoid a diet high in salt. Too much salt will cause your body to retain water and will decrease the effects of hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride.
  • Hydrochlorothiazide may increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.
  • Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.
  • Avoid becoming overheated during exercise and in hot weather. It is easy to become dangerously dehydrated while taking hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride.
  • Tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication before having surgery.

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