Amiloride
Amiloride is a potassium-sparing diuretic used to treat fluid retention (edema) and high blood pressure. It helps the body eliminate excess fluid while retaining potassium, often working alongside other diuretics that cause potassium loss.
Amiloride is a potassium-sparing diuretic that helps manage fluid balance and blood pressure while preventing potassium loss.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C03DB01
- RxNorm
- 644
- Generic
- Amiloride
- Class
- atc-c03
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- B
- Lactation
- safe
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- solution, tablet, capsule
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 5mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 0.5mg/kg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 2.5mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only if clearly needed and benefits outweigh risks
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only if clearly needed and benefits outweigh risks
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only if clearly needed and benefits outweigh risks
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid or discontinue breastfeeding
amiloride is excreted in breast milk; use with caution
monitor infant for electrolyte imbalances
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlystart with lower dose and titrate slowly
monitor renal function and potassium levels regularly
regular renal function and electrolyte monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children under 12use with extreme caution; pediatric dosing not well established
generally not recommended in children due to limited safety data
close monitoring of electrolytes and renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderatereduce dose; monitor closely
avoid in severe renal impairment; monitor potassium and renal function
frequent serum potassium and creatinine monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severecontraindicated
do not use in patients with severe renal impairment or anuria
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateuse with caution; no specific dose adjustment
monitor for electrolyte imbalances; use lowest effective dose
regular electrolyte and liver function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Amiloride belongs to the class of potassium-sparing diuretics, specifically pyrazine derivatives
Mechanism of action
Amiloride inhibits sodium reabsorption in the distal tubule, reducing potassium excretion
Common uses
Primary therapeutic applications of Amiloride
FDA approval year
Year Amiloride was first approved by the FDA
Treatment of edema associated with heart failure, liver cirrhosis, and kidney disease; management of hypertension; often prescribed with thiazide or loop diuretics to counteract potassium loss
Blocks epithelial sodium channels (ENaC) in the distal tubule and collecting duct of the kidney, reducing sodium reabsorption and subsequently decreasing water retention, while preserving potassium excretion
May cause elevated potassium levels (hyperkalemia); regular monitoring of electrolytes is essential; avoid potassium supplements and potassium-rich foods unless directed; use with caution in patients with kidney disease or diabetes
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy