Amiloride

Amiloride is a potassium-sparing diuretic, first approved for use in 1967 (then known as MK 870), used in the management of hypertension and congestive heart failure. Amiloride was also tested as treatment of cystic fibrosis, but it was revealed inefficient in vivo due to its short time of action, therefore longer-acting epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) inhibitors may prove more effective, e.g. benzamil.

It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, a list of the most important medication needed in a basic health system.

Structure

Amiloride is a guanidinium group containing pyrazine derivative.

Contraindications

Amiloride is contraindicated in patients with Addison's disease, hyperkalaemia and anuria.

Mechanism of action

Amiloride works by directly blocking the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) thereby inhibiting sodium reabsorption in the late distal convoluted tubules, connecting tubules, and collecting ducts in the kidneys (this mechanism is the same for triamterene). This promotes the loss of sodium and water from the body, but without depleting potassium. The drug is often used in conjunction with thiazide (e.g. co-amilozide) or loop diuretics (e.g. co-amilofruse). Due to its potassium-sparing capacities, hyperkalemia (high blood potassium levels) is occasionally observed in patients taking amiloride. The risk is high in concurrent use of ACE inhibitors or spironolactone. Patients are also advised not to use potassium-containing salt replacements. Amiloride also carries the risk of developing an acidosis.