Amiloride HCl

Product Description

potassium-sparing diuretic, used in the management of hypertension andcongestive heart failure. Amiloride was also tested as treatment ofcystic fibrosis.

Mechanism of Action:

Amiloride works by directly blocking the epithelial sodium channel(ENaC) thereby inhibiting sodium reabsorption in the late distal convoluted tubules, connecting tubules, and collecting ducts in thekidneys (this mechanism is the same for triamterene).This promotes the loss of sodium and water from the body, but without depletingpotassium. The drug is often used in conjunction with thiazide (e.g.co-amilozide) or loop diuretics (e.g. co-amilofruse). Due to its potassium-sparing capacities, hyperkalemia (high blood potassium levels) is occasionally observed in patients taking amiloride. The risk is high in concurrent use of ACE inhibitors or spironolactone.