Moduretic 5-50

Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that helps stop your body from taking in too much salt, which can lead to fluid retention.

Amiloride is a potassium sparing diuretic that also stops your body from taking in too much salt and helps keep your potassium levels from dropping too low.

The combination of hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride is used to treat fluid retention (edema) and high blood pressure (hypertension).

Moduretic 5-50 may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all instructions on your prescription label. Do not take Moduretic 5-50 in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Take Moduretic 5-50 with food.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Your blood and urine may also be tested if you have been vomiting or are dehydrated.

If you need surgery or medical tests, inform the doctor ahead of time that you are taking medication that contains hydrochlorothiazide. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, continue using this medication 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.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not freeze.

You should not use Moduretic 5-50 if you have kidney disease, problems with urination, diabetes, or high levels of potassium in your blood.

Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used with Moduretic 5-50. Your doctor may need to change your treatment plan if you are using potassium supplements or certain diuretics (spironolactone, triamterene).

If you have diabetes, do not use Moduretic 5-50 with any medication that contains aliskiren (Amturnide, Tekturna, Tekamlo, Valturna).

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to hydrochlorothiazide or amiloride, or if you have:

• kidney disease or are unable to urinate;
• high potassium levels (hyperkalemia); or
• if you are taking potassium supplements.

Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used with Moduretic 5-50. Your doctor may need to change your treatment plan if you use potassium supplements or certain diuretics (spironolactone, triamterene).

If you have diabetes, do not use Moduretic 5-50 together with any medication that contains aliskiren (Amturnide, Tekturna, Tekamlo, Valturna).

To make sure Moduretic 5-50 is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• high cholesterol, heart disease, coronary artery disease;
• cirrhosis or other liver disease;
• glaucoma;
• a breathing disorder;
• gout; or
• an allergy to sulfa drugs or penicillin.

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.

Hydrochlorothiazide can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride.

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

Moduretic 5-50 may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you experience:

• a light-headed feeling, as if you might faint;
• high sodium--headache, confusion, slurred speech, hallucinations, vomiting, severe weakness, muscle cramps, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, shallow breathing; or
• high potassium--slow heart rate, weak pulse, muscle weakness, tingling sensation.

Common side effects of Moduretic 5-50 may include:

• diarrhea, constipation;
• mild stomach pain; or
• feeling tired.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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

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

Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride.

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 Moduretic 5-50.

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

This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

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.

Tell your doctor if you regularly use other medicines that can make you feel light-headed (like cold medicine, sleeping pills, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxers, or medicines for anxiety, depression, or seizures). These can increase the side effects of hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride.

Inform your doctor about all medicines you are taking, as well as any that you start or stop while using Moduretic 5-50, especially:

• lithium;
• tacrolimus; or
• other blood pressure medications.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are included in this medication guide.