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Questions and Answers
What is the drug class of Amiloride?
What is the drug class of Amiloride?
What are the indications for Amiloride?
What are the indications for Amiloride?
What is the mechanism of action of Amiloride?
What is the mechanism of action of Amiloride?
Inhibits sodium reabsorption in distal convoluted tubules, leading to sodium and water excretion while retaining potassium.
What are the common adverse effects of Amiloride?
What are the common adverse effects of Amiloride?
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Amiloride should be avoided in patients with severe renal impairment.
Amiloride should be avoided in patients with severe renal impairment.
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How is Amiloride commonly prescribed?
How is Amiloride commonly prescribed?
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How should diuretic tablets like Amiloride be administered?
How should diuretic tablets like Amiloride be administered?
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What should be communicated to a patient when changing to a different water tablet?
What should be communicated to a patient when changing to a different water tablet?
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What is the best form of monitoring for Amiloride efficacy?
What is the best form of monitoring for Amiloride efficacy?
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In what situations can Amiloride be used as an alternative?
In what situations can Amiloride be used as an alternative?
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Amiloride is safe to use for treating gestational hypertension.
Amiloride is safe to use for treating gestational hypertension.
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Amiloride should not be used to treat __________ hypertension.
Amiloride should not be used to treat __________ hypertension.
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Study Notes
Amiloride Overview
- Amiloride is a potassium-sparing diuretic, commonly used in treating conditions involving fluid retention.
Indications
- Effective for managing oedema, hypertension, and congestive heart failure.
- Also indicated for patients with hepatic cirrhosis.
Mechanism of Action
- Acts on distal convoluted tubules in the kidneys, inhibiting sodium reabsorption through epithelial sodium channels (ENaC).
- Enhances diuresis while retaining potassium, counteracting potassium loss from loop or thiazide diuretics.
- Often used in combination tablets, such as co-amilofruse (amiloride + furosemide) and co-amilozide (amiloride + hydrochlorothiazide).
Adverse Effects
- Side effects are rare at low doses but may include gastrointestinal upset.
- Potential issues with dizziness, hypotension, and urinary symptoms when combined with other diuretics.
- Risk of electrolyte disturbances like hypokalaemia, hyperkalaemia, and hyponatraemia must be monitored.
Warnings
- Contraindicated in severe renal impairment and hyperkalaemia.
- Avoid initiation of combination therapy in patients with hypokalaemia due to unpredictable potassium effects.
- Should not be used in patients with volume depletion.
Drug Interactions
- Not recommended with potassium-elevating drugs (e.g., potassium supplements, aldosterone antagonists) due to hyperkalaemia risk.
- May alter renal clearance of drugs like digoxin and lithium, necessitating dose adjustments.
Prescription Guidelines
- Commonly prescribed in doses of 5-10 mg alone or as co-amilofruse (1:8 ratio of amiloride to furosemide).
- Specific strengths and doses should be included in the prescription, such as 'co-amilofruse 2.5/20'.
Administration
- Ideally taken in the morning to reduce nocturia.
Patient Communication
- Inform patients about low potassium levels due to current diuretics and the switch to a potassium-sparing option.
- Discuss common side effects and the importance of regular blood tests for potassium monitoring.
Monitoring
- Efficacy monitoring includes assessing symptoms of fluid overload and blood pressure.
- Regular serum potassium concentration checks are essential, with monitoring intensity based on hypokalaemia severity and electrolyte levels.
Alternative Use
- Can serve as an alternative to spironolactone in conditions like Conn's syndrome and when spironolactone's side effects are undesirable.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
- Not recommended for treating gestational hypertension.
- Further information on breastfeeding use is not provided.
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Description
Test your knowledge on Amiloride with these flashcards. Explore the drug class, indications, and mechanism of action of this potassium-sparing diuretic. Ideal for students and healthcare professionals alike.
