Drug Summary

  Drug name:  amiloride
  Chemical name:  Amiloride hydrochloride dihydrate
  Formula:  C₆H₈ClN₇O
  Weight:   229.627
  CAS no:  2016-88-8
  DrugBank link:  DB00594
  Description:  A pyrazine compound inhibiting sodium reabsorption through sodium channels in renal epithelial cells. This inhibition creates a negative potential in the luminal membranes of principal cells, located in the distal convoluted tubule and collecting duct. Negative potential reduces secretion of potassium and hydrogen ions. Amiloride is used in conjunction with diuretics to spare potassium loss. (From Gilman et al., Goodman and Gilman’s The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 9th ed, p705)
  Indication:  For use as adjunctive treatment with thiazide diuretics or other kaliuretic-diuretic agents in congestive heart failure or hypertension.