Amiloride is a potassium-sparing diuretic (water pill) that prevents your body from absorbing too much salt and keeps your potassium levels from getting too low.

Amiloride is used to treat or prevent hypokalemia (low potassium levels in the blood).

Amiloride may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Do not use this medication if you have kidney disease, urination problems, or high levels of potassium in your blood. Do not use potassium supplements or other diuretics while you are taking amiloride.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have heart or liver disease, or a breathing disorder.

Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of amiloride.

Avoid a diet high in salt. Too much salt will cause your body to retain water and can make this medication less effective.

Do not use salt substitutes or low-sodium milk products that contain potassium. These products could cause your potassium levels to get too high while you are taking amiloride.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough.

Do not use this medication if you have:

• kidney disease or are unable to urinate;

• high potassium levels (hyperkalemia); or

• if you are taking potassium supplements, or another potassium-sparing diuretic such Moduretic, spironolactone (Aldactone, Aldactazide), or triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide).

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication. Before using amiloride, tell your doctor if you have:

• diabetes;

• heart disease;

• cirrhosis or other liver disease;

• a breathing disorder; or

• if you are using another diuretic.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether amiloride passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.