Amiloride contraindications

Also contraindicated for the treatment of hypertension in patients with the following conditions Type 2 diabetes with microalbuminuria serum creatinine greater than 2 mg/dL in males or greater than 1.8 mg/dL in females Ccr less than 50 mL/min concomitant use of potassium supplements or potassium-sparing diuretics (amiloride, spironolactone, or triamterene). 

Because the actions of triamterene and amiloride are independent of plasma aldosterone levels, their prolonged administration is likely to result in hyperkalemia. Both amiloride and triamterene are contraindicated in patients with hyperkalemia. Triamterene should not be given to patients with impaired renal function. Potassium intake must be reduced, especially in outpatients. A folic acid deficiency has been reported to occur occasionally following the use of triamterene. 

Contraindications Concurrent use of potassium supplements or potassium-sparing diuretics (such as amiloride, spironolactone, and triamterene), or strong inhibitors of the cytochrome P450 3A4 enzyme system (including ketoconazole and itraconazole), creatinine clearance less than 50 ml/min, serum creatinine level greater than 2 mg/dl in males or 1.8 mg/dl in females, serum potassium level greater than 5.5 mEq/L, type 2 diabetes mellitus with microalbuminuria... 

Amiloride is used with thiazide or loop diuretics in hypertension, in congestive heart failure, in digitalis-induced hypokalemia, and in arrhythmias resulting from hypokalemia. Inappropriate use of amiloride may cause hyperkalemia (potassium >5.5 mEq/L), which may be fatal if not corrected, and may be more deleterious in elderly individuals and in patients with diabetes mellitus and renal impairment. The symptoms of hyperkalemia include fatigue, flaccid paralysis of the extremities, paresthesias, bradycardia, ECG abnormalities, and shock. Amiloride is not metabolized but is contraindicated in anuria, acute or chronic renal insufficiency, or in diabetic nephropathy. It should not be used with potassium preparations, and should be used cautiously with ACE inhibitors because these agents cause hyperkalemia. 

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