What is Moduretic?

Moduretic is a medication that contains a combination of two drugs: amiloride and hydrochlorothiazide. Amiloride is a potassium-sparing diuretic, which means it helps prevent your body from losing too much potassium. Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic, which means it helps your body get rid of excess fluid.

Moduretic is used to treat high blood pressure and edema (fluid retention; excess fluid held in body tissues).

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

Important Information

You should not use Moduretic if you are allergic to amiloride or hydrochlorothiazide, or if you have kidney disease, high levels of potassium in your blood, or if you are unable to urinate.

To make sure Moduretic is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney disease;
• liver disease;
• diabetes;
• gout;
• a blood disorder;
• an electrolyte imbalance (such as high levels of potassium in your blood);
• if you are on a low-salt diet; or
• if you are unable to urinate.

Moduretic can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using this medicine.

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using Moduretic even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

Tell your doctor if you become pregnant while taking Moduretic.

Do not breastfeed while taking Moduretic. This medicine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby.

Moduretic is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I take Moduretic?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.

Take Moduretic on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after a meal.

Do not use Moduretic if you are unable to urinate.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using Moduretic.

You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink while you are taking Moduretic.

To make sure Moduretic is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney disease;
• liver disease;
• diabetes;
• gout;
• a blood disorder;
• an electrolyte imbalance (such as high levels of potassium in your blood);
• if you are on a low-salt diet; or
• if you are unable to urinate.

Moduretic can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using this medicine.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking Moduretic?

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise, in hot weather, or by not drinking enough fluids. Moduretic can make these conditions worse.

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.

Avoid salt substitutes or low-sodium milk products that contain potassium. These products could cause your potassium levels to go up.

Moduretic side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• little or no urinating;
• swelling, rapid weight gain;
• numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands or feet;
• muscle weakness or limp feeling;
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• high potassium--nausea, slow or unusual heart rate, weakness, loss of movement; or
• low sodium--headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling irritable.

Common Moduretic side effects may include:

• headache, dizziness;
• tired feeling;
• muscle cramps;
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach;
• sleep problems (insomnia); or
• skin rash or itching.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about