Amiloride+torsemide
About
Amiloride+torsemide belongs to a class of medicine called 'diuretics (water pills) primarily used to remove excess water from the body. It also keeps the potassium level in the bloodstream stable and prevents hypertension (high blood pressure caused by oedema/fluid retention). Oedema, also known as fluid overload, occurs due to the build-up of fluid in spaces between the cells. Shortness of breath, chest pain (angina), abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmia), and swelling in hands or abdominal areas are the symptoms of oedema.
Amiloride+torsemide is a combination that includes Amiloride and Torsemide. Amiloride and Torsemide are both diuretics that are used to treat resistant oedema (fluid overload) caused by pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs), heart failure, and hepatic cirrhosis (chronic liver damage). Amiloride+torsemide works by increasing the amount of urine excreted by the kidneys. It effectively treats oedema (swelling) caused by heart, liver, kidney, or lung disease by reducing excess fluid levels in the body. This reduces the workload on the heart and makes it more efficient at pumping blood throughout the body. As a result, it also helps lower high blood pressure, lowering the chances of a future heart attack, stroke, or angina (chest pain).
You can take Amiloride+torsemide with or without food. Take it preferably during the day to avoid frequent urination at night. Swallow it as a whole with water. It should not be chewed, crushed, or broken. Based on your medical condition, your doctor will advise on how frequently you should take Amiloride+torsemide. In some cases, you may experience dehydration, electrolyte disturbances (potassium and sodium), headache, nausea, or dizziness. Most of the side effects do not necessitate medical attention and fade away over time. However, if the side effects persist, consult your doctor.
Inform your doctor if you have kidney, liver, or heart disease. Please notify your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medications or if you are allergic to Amiloride+torsemide. Amiloride+torsemide is not recommended for children below 12 years of age. Amiloride+torsemide may cause drowsiness, so drive with caution. Avoid alcohol intake as it might cause increased drowsiness. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medications to rule out any interactions.
Uses of Amiloride+torsemide
Medicinal Benefits
Amiloride+torsemide is a combination that includes Amiloride and Torsemide. Amiloride and Torsemide are both diuretics that are used to treat resistant oedema (fluid overload) caused by pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs), heart failure, and hepatic cirrhosis (chronic liver damage). Amiloride+torsemide works by increasing the amount of urine excreted by the kidneys. It effectively treats oedema (swelling) caused by heart, liver, kidney, or lung disease by reducing excess fluid levels in the body. This reduces the workload on the heart and makes it more efficient at pumping blood throughout the body. As a result, it also helps lower high blood pressure, lowering the chances of a future heart attack, stroke, or angina (chest pain).
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Amiloride+torsemide
- Dehydration
- Electrolyte disturbances (potassium and sodium)
- Increased blood uric acid
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
People who are allergic to Amiloride+torsemide, have low blood pressure (less than 90 mm of Hg), have had a heart attack, kidney disease (with creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/min), liver disease, should not take Amiloride+torsemide. Furthermore, it is contraindicated in patients with low blood pressure (hypotension), cardiogenic shock (sudden cessation of blood flow to the heart), and aortic stenosis (heart valve problem). Talk to your doctor before taking Amiloride+torsemide if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Before using Amiloride+torsemide, any electrolyte dehydration and acid-base disturbances must be corrected. Take no additional potassium supplements or potassium-rich foods like bananas and broccoli with Amiloride+torsemide, as this may result in an excessive increase in blood potassium levels (hyperkalemia). Please take Amiloride+torsemide at least 4 hours before going to bed to avoid night-time urination.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Amiloride+torsemide may interact with pain killers (e.g. aspirin), osmotic laxatives (e.g. polyethylene glycol), anti-hypertensives (e.g. metoprolol, esomeprazole), and anti-diabetic (e.g. insulin glargine).
Drug-Food Interactions: To avoid unpleasant side effects, it is advised not to consume alcohol while taking Amiloride+torsemide.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Amiloride+torsemide may have interaction with disease conditions such as acidosis, ototoxicity (hearing problems), anuria, diabetes, electrolytes/fluid disturbances, hyperkalemia (high levels of potassium), liver disease, and renal dysfunction.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionYou are recommended not to consume alcohol along with Amiloride+torsemide to avoid unpleasant side effects.
Pregnancy
unsafeAmiloride+torsemide must not be taken during pregnancy. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Breast Feeding
unsafeBreast-feeding must be avoided during treatment with Amiloride+torsemide. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Driving
cautionIt is not recommended to drive after taking Amiloride+torsemide as it may occasionally cause drowsiness due to orthostatic hypotension (sudden drop in blood pressure on standing from lying position).
Liver
cautionAmiloride+torsemide should be used with caution, particularly if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. Depending on your current kidney condition, your doctor may adjust your dose.
Kidney
cautionAmiloride+torsemide should be used with caution, particularly if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions. Depending on your current kidney condition, your doctor may adjust your dose.
Children
unsafeAmiloride+torsemide is not recommended for children below 12 years of age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Choose a diet high in whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and low-fat dairy products.
- Limit your daily sodium chloride (table salt) intake to 2300 mg per day or less than 1500 mg for most adults.
- If you drink alcohol, limit yourself to one serving for women and two servings for men.
- Quitting smoking is the most effective way to reduce your risk of heart disease.
- Include heart-healthy omega 3 fatty acid-containing foods and beverages in your daily diet. To lower your blood pressure, you can also use low-fat cooking oils such as olive oil, soybean oil, canola oil, and coconut oil.
Special Advise
- Treatment with Amiloride+torsemide requires regular monitoring of serum potassium, sodium, and creatinine level.
- If you have diabetes, Torsemide in Amiloride+torsemide may rarely affect your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program or diet.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Oedema: Oedema, also known as fluid overload, occurs due to the build-up of fluid in spaces between the cells. Shortness of breath, chest pain (angina), abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmia), and swelling in hands or abdominal areas are the symptoms of oedema.
FAQs
Amiloride+torsemide works by increasing the amount of urine excreted by the kidneys. It effectively treats oedema (swelling) caused by heart, liver, kidney, or lung disease by reducing excess fluid levels in the body.
Fluid retention or overload is a medical term. Oedema causes swelling in the legs, hands, and other body parts, which raises blood pressure. If it does not go away, please see your doctor right away.
The main side effect of Amiloride+torsemide is that you pee (urinate) more frequently than usual. Most people need to pee within 30 minutes of taking Amiloride+torsemide, and then again within a few hours. If you take Amiloride+torsemide before going to bed, you may have to wake up several times during the night to urinate. To avoid this, take it preferably during the day to avoid frequent urination at night.
Yes, Amiloride+torsemide has been linked to dehydration (excessive loss of fluids). Dry mouth, decreased urine output, excessive thirst, and hypotension may occur in the patient (decreased blood pressure). As a result, please increase your fluid intake to avoid dehydration.
Yes, Amiloride+torsemide can cause hyperkalemia (high potassium levels), especially in patients with kidney problems or if you are taking potassium supplements in addition to Amiloride+torsemide. Please keep an eye on your electrolyte levels regularly to avoid an increase in blood potassium levels.
Amiloride+torsemide has the potential to cause orthostatic hypotension. This is low blood pressure, which causes dizziness or lightheadedness when you stand up after sitting or lying down. This could be more common when you first start taking this medication. You can avoid this by slowly rising. Consult your doctor if the symptoms persist.
