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Increased potassium levels in the blood can occur while taking Midamor (amiloride). High potassium levels in the blood are more likely to happen in people with poor kidney function, diabetes, those 65 years and older, or people who are severely ill. If left untreated, high potassium levels can be deadly. Therefore, potassium levels in the blood must be checked frequently, especially when first receiving Midamor, when the dosage is changed, or with any illness or medication that can affect how the kidneys work.
Midamor (amiloride) is a prescription oral diuretic (water pill) medication used in congestive heart failure or high blood pressure (hypertension) to get rid of extra salt and water in the body.
It belongs to the class of medications referred to as potassium-sparing diuretics because they prevent potassium loss. It is often used in addition to another diuretic.
Amiloride is available in tablet form to be taken by mouth.
Generic Name: Amiloride
Brand Name(s): Midamor
Drug Availability: Prescription
Administration Route: Oral
Therapeutic Classification: Diuretic
Available Generically: Yes
Controlled Substance: N/A
Active Ingredient: Amiloride hydrochloride
Dosage Form(s): Tablet
Midamor, which contains the active ingredient amiloride, is used in combination with other medications to:
It works by getting rid of excess salt and water through the urine.
Amiloride has a boxed warning due to the risk of increasing potassium levels, which can be deadly if not treated.
Treatment regimens for Midamor vary based on what you’re being treated for. It is important to always take this medication as directed by your healthcare provider.
The usual dose of Midamor is one tablet daily with food or milk. This medication, and other medications for blood pressure, should be taken even if you are feeling well. High blood pressure is often regarded as the “silent killer.” Even if you are feeling healthy, you may still have high blood pressure and be at risk for further complications like a heart attack or stroke.
Store all forms of Midamor at room temperature (between 68 F and 77 F) in a dry place. Do not store it in the bathroom or kitchen. Containers should be closed tightly and kept away from direct sunlight, children, and pets.
In some instances Midamor may be prescribed for reasons other than what has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This is known as off-label use. For example, scientific evidence has shown that amiloride can be beneficial for treating ascites (fluid buildup in the abdominal area).
The initial dose may be 10 milligrams (mg) twice daily. Your healthcare provider may adjust the dose every few days by 10 milligrams to a maximum dose of 30 milligrams twice daily as needed.
Midamor works relatively quickly after use, typically within two hours after an oral dose. It reaches its peak at six to 10 hours.
This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. A healthcare provider can advise you on side effects. If you experience other effects, contact your pharmacist or a healthcare provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.
The most common side effects of Midamor include:
There may be other side effects. Contact your pharmacist or healthcare provider for any further questions or concerns about side effects.
Life-threatening side effects from Midamor are rare. However, some symptoms are severe and should not be taken lightly. Get medical help immediately if you experience symptoms such as:
Although rare, call your healthcare provider right away if you experience any of these serious side effects. Dial 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.
Long-term use of Midamor should be only at the approval of your healthcare provider. Taking this medication for an extended period strongly affects urination, sodium loss, and blood potassium levels. It is extremely important to use it as directed.
Midamor may cause other side effects. Call your healthcare provider if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your healthcare provider may send a report to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting Program online or by phone (800-332-1088).
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
Midamor is not recommended if you have a creatinine clearance less than 10 milliliters (mL) per minute, which would indicate that the kidneys are not working well.
This medication has a boxed warning about the risk of developing high potassium in the blood in people with kidney problems or diabetes, those who are 65 and older, or people who are severely ill. If you fall into any of these categories, constant monitoring of potassium levels is required when starting this medication or when changing the dose.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular intake schedule. Do not take extra doses or multiple doses at the same time.
If an overdose does occur with Midamor, you may have symptoms of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect you have taken too much of this medication.
If you think you or someone else may have overdosed on Midamor, call a healthcare provider or the Poison Control Center (800-222-1222).
If someone collapses or isn’t breathing after taking Midamor, call 911 immediately.
It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to take it. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects .
Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This especially includes potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium .
This medicine may increase the amount of potassium in your blood. Check with your doctor right away if you are having abdominal pain; confusion; difficulty breathing; irregular heartbeats; nausea or vomiting; nervousness; numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips; shortness of breath; or weakness or heaviness of the legs .
Do not use this medication if you:
Certain medications may decrease the effects of Midamor or worsen side effects by reducing blood pressure or increasing potassium levels. These include but are not limited to:
This is not a complete list of potential drug interactions that can occur. Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications, vitamins, or herbal supplements you take.
Multiple classes of diuretic medications are also used to remove excess salt and water in the body. The following diuretics are also used similarly to Midamor:
This is a list of other diuretic drugs. It is NOT a list of drugs recommended to take with Midamor. Talk to your pharmacist or healthcare provider if you have questions.
It is recommended not to take Midamor too close to bedtime to prevent urination from disrupting sleep. It helps to take this medication around the same time every day.
Yes, diuretics have the potential to cause dehydration due to their mechanism of action. Make sure to drink enough fluids throughout the day to prevent this from occurring.
It is recommended to avoid supplements and/or salt substitutes that contain potassium. High potassium levels can lead to serious health complications.
For further questions about diet while on this medication, consult with your healthcare provider.
To stay healthy while taking Midamor, use it exactly as directed by your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Adhering to the prescribed regimen is the only way to maximize the benefits of this medication. Routine follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider are necessary to ensure its safe and effective use and minimize the risk of unwanted side effects. It is also important to check your blood pressure regularly. You can get this checked by a healthcare provider or do it yourself at home with a blood pressure monitor.
Additionally, eat a healthy, well-balanced diet and stick to a regular exercise plan. Consult your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian nutritionist on the appropriate foods to eat and what you should avoid.
Verywell Health’s drug information is meant for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a healthcare provider. Consult your healthcare provider before taking any new medication(s). IBM Watson Micromedex provides some of the drug content, as indicated on the page.
The author would like recognize and thank Faith Awoniyi for contributing to this article.
DailyMed. Label: Amiloride hydrochloride tablet.
Angeli P, Dalla Pria M, De Bei E, et al. Randomized clinical study of the efficacy of amiloride and potassium canrenoate in nonazotemic cirrhotic patients with ascites. Hepatology. 1994;19(1):72-79.
Biggins SW, Angeli P, Garcia-Tsao G, et al. Diagnosis, evaluation, and management of ascites, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and hepatorenal syndrome: 2021 practice guidance by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. Hepatology. 2021;74(2):1014-1048. doi:10.1002/hep.31884
Prescribers' Digital Reference. Amiloride hydrochloride – drug summary.
Rose BD. Diuretics. Kidney Int. 1991;39(2):336-352. doi:10.1038/ki.1991.43.
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