Skip to main content
Amiloride / HCTZ Coupon - Amiloride / HCTZ 5mg/50mg tablet

amiloride / HCTZ

Generic Moduretic
Used for Edema, Heart Failure, Hypertension
Used for Edema, Heart Failure, Hypertension

Amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) is used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure in adults. This combination medication contains two different types of diuretics (water pills): a potassium-sparing diuretic and a thiazide diuretic. It works by helping the body get rid of extra water. The dosage is 1 or 2 tablets of amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide taken by mouth, typically once per day. The most common side effects are headache, dizziness, and low appetite. This medication is a lower-cost generic only; the Moduretic brand name is no longer available.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on September 4, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide?

What is Amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide used for?

How Amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide works

Amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide is a combination of two different diuretics (or water pills).

Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic and amiloride is a potassium-sparing diuretic. They work in the kidneys and move water into your urine. This helps remove extra water from your body. As a result, the medication lowers blood pressure and lessens water retention (swelling) from heart failure.

In addition, amiloride helps restore potassium in the body that's lost as a side effect of hydrochlorothiazide. This helps prevent low potassium levels that can possibly happen while taking hydrochlorothiazide.

Are you looking for information on amiloride (Midamor) or hydrochlorothiazide alone instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsModuretic (brand name no longer available)
Drug ClassDiuretic (water pill)
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
coupon-save-icon

Get your GoodRx coupon

Avg retail price
$63.29(save 47.94%)
GoodRx discount
$32.95
See prices
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Side effects occurring in up to 8% of people:
  • Headache
  • Weakness
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Lower appetite
  • Rash

Other Side Effects

  • Feeling tired
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Itchiness
  • Gout
  • Dehydration

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Severe allergic reaction: swelling of your lips, tongue, throat, or face; trouble breathing; rash
  • High potassium levels: nausea, muscle weakness, abnormal heartbeat

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Confusion

difficulty breathing

irregular heartbeat

nausea or vomiting

nervousness

numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips

stomach pain

trouble breathing

weakness or heaviness of the legs

Less common

Dizziness

fainting

fast or slow heartbeat

labored breathing

tightness in the chest

Rare

Ankle, knee, or great toe joint pain

arm, back, or jaw pain

blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin

bloody or black, tarry stools

bloody urine

burning while urinating

burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings

chest pain, discomfort, or heaviness

chills

cloudy urine

cold sweats

coma

constipation

cough

cracks in the skin

decreased awareness or responsiveness

decreased frequency or amount of urine

diarrhea

difficult or painful urination

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position suddenly

dry mouth

fever

headache

increase in heart rate

increased blood pressure

increased thirst

itching

joint pain, stiffness, or swelling

lightheadedness

loss of appetite

loss of heat from the body

lower back or side pain

muscle pain or cramps

pounding heartbeat or pulse

rapid breathing

red skin lesions, often with a purple center

red, irritated eyes

red, swollen skin

scaly skin

seizures

severe sleepiness

severe stomach pain

sore throat

sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips

sunken eyes

sweating

swelling of the face, ankles, hands, fingers, or lower legs

trouble breathing

unusual tiredness or weakness

vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

weight gain

wrinkled skin

Incidence not known

Persistent non-healing sore

pink growth

reddish patch or irritated area

shiny bump

white, yellow or scar-like area

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

Drowsiness

irritability

mood changes

pain or weakness in the hands or feet

trembling

weak pulse

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Rash

weight loss

Less common

Leg ache

Rare

Bad taste

bloated, full feeling

blurred or loss of vision

changes in appetite

decreased interest in sexual intercourse

discouragement

disturbed color perception

double vision

excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines

feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings

feeling of warmth

feeling sad or empty

general feeling of discomfort or illness

hair loss or thinning of hair

hiccups

inability to have or keep an erection

increased sweating

increased urge to urinate during the night

indigestion

loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance

loss of bladder control

loss of interest or pleasure

muscle spasm

night blindness

overbright appearance of lights

passing of gas

redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally upper chest

seeing halos around lights

sensation of spinning

sleepiness

sleeplessness

stomach fullness or discomfort

stuffy nose

swelling of the breasts or breast soreness in both females and males

trouble concentrating

trouble sleeping

tunnel vision

unable to sleep

waking to urinate at night

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See more Amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide side effects
pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide

thumbs-up

Pros

Typically taken once per day

A combination of two different types of diuretics within a single pill

Good option for people who have high blood pressure or heart failure and tend to have low potassium

Available as a lower-cost generic

thumbs-down

Cons

More difficult to customize the dose of each active ingredient

Only available as a tablet

Can make your skin more sensitive to the sun

Need regular blood tests to check your potassium levels and kidney function

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide

pharmacist

  • Take amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide with food at the same time every day.

    • Amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide is typically taken once a day. But if your dose is 2 tablets of the medication each day, speak with your prescriber about whether you should take both tablets at once or whether you should take 1 tablet twice per day.

      • Take amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide exactly as prescribed. Don't lower your dose or stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your prescriber first. Otherwise, your blood pressure can rise quickly. Your prescriber might need to lower your dose slowly over time to prevent big changes to your blood pressure.

        • You might feel dizzy when you start taking amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide or when your prescriber raises the dose. Dizziness is typically temporary and it should go away as your body gets used to the medication and to the lower blood pressure. But let your healthcare team know if you feel severely dizzy or if the dizziness is making it hard for you to go about your day.

          • It's recommended that you check your blood pressure at home. Write down your blood pressure readings and bring your log with you to your medical appointments to share with your prescriber. This will help your prescriber see how well amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide is working for you and see whether you need any changes to your treatment.

            • Your potassium levels can go up while you're taking amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide. Avoid taking potassium supplements and avoid adding potassium-containing salt substitutes to your food. Ask your prescriber about how much potassium-rich foods you should have that's safest for you.

              • Avoid alcohol or limit how much alcohol you drink while you're taking amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide. Drinking alcohol regularly, particularly in high amounts, can make your blood pressure go up. Alcohol can also make some side effects, like dizziness, more intense and lead to falls.

                • Contact your prescriber right away if you're pregnant or thinking of getting pregnant and you're taking amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide. Since there are other recommended blood pressure medications during pregnancy, your prescriber will probably consider a different medication for you.

                  faqs

                  Frequently asked questions about Amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide

                  Is amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide potassium sparing?
                  Yes. Amiloride, one of the active ingredients in this combination medication, is a potassium-sparing diuretic. It raises your potassium levels. Most other types of diuretics can make your potassium levels drop as a side effect. This includes hydrochlorothiazide, the other ingredient in the combination medication. Having amiloride in combination with hydrochlorothiazide helps prevent your potassium levels from dropping.
                  Should I take potassium with amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide?
                  No, don't take potassium supplements (or other medications that raise potassium levels) with amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide unless your care team specifically instructs you to do so. Taking potassium with amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide can make your potassium levels get too high, which can be a serious and life-threatening problem.
                  What pain relievers can I take with amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide?
                  It's generally recommended to take acetaminophen (Tylenol) if you need pain relief while you're taking amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide. This pain reliever can have risks, like liver damage, so it might not be the best choice for everyone. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen (Advil), typically aren't recommended for people who are taking amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide because of the risk for kidney problems. NSAIDs can also make your body hold onto more water. This can not only worsen heart failure, but it might also make your blood pressure go up. Before you take a pain reliever, it's best to check with your primary care provider to see what's the safest choice for you.
                  Can I take lisinopril with amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide?
                  Yes, you can take lisinopril (Zestril) and amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide together, if needed. Healthcare professionals might consider prescribing both lisinopril and amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide for people with more severe heart failure or high blood pressure who need multiple medications to manage their health condition. Keep in mind that you're at greater risk for severely low blood pressure and high potassium levels if you take both lisinopril and amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide. Your prescriber will probably follow up with you about your blood pressure and potassium levels more often in this case.
                  Can I drink alcohol with amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide?
                  It's best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink, or better yet avoid alcohol, when you're taking amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide. Alcohol can raise your blood pressure over time, which can make your medication not work as well for you. Also, amiloride, hydrochlorothiazide, and alcohol can all make you urinate more. This can possibly lead to serious dehydration. In addition, alcohol can make side effects like dizziness or nausea worse. Talk to your prescriber if you have questions about whether drinking alcohol is safe while you're taking amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide.
                  Does amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide cause erectile dysfunction?
                  No, amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide doesn't appear to cause erectile dysfunction (ED). Let your healthcare team know if you have trouble getting an erection or keeping an erection going. Your care team can help figure out what might be causing this issue.
                  Does amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide cause weight loss?
                  It isn't clear whether amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide causes weight loss, but there are some things about the medication that might make it possible. In clinical studies, up to 8% of people who took amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide felt nauseous and lost their appetite. In general, these side effects can potentially lead to weight loss if they're severe enough. Additionally, amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide is a combination of two diuretics that make you urinate out the extra fluid in your body, so it's possible to lose water weight. Check your weight while you're taking amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide, especially if you have heart failure. Let your prescriber know if you notice any concerning weight loss.
                  Is amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide safe in pregnancy?
                  There haven't been enough studies done to know for sure how safe amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide is to take while pregnant. So this medication is typically taken during pregnancy only if your prescriber determines it's clearly needed. In general, there are other medications that are safer and recommended during pregnancy for high blood pressure and for heart failure. Make sure to let your prescriber know if you're pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant so they can consider treatment changes to keep you and your baby safe.
                  GoodRxEducationalIcon

                  How to save using GoodRx

                  Compare Prices
                  1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.
                  Select your free coupon
                  2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.
                  Show coupon to your pharmacist
                  3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.
                  Get free couponLearn more
                  warings-icon

                  What are the risks and warnings for Amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide?

                  Amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                  risk-warning

                  High potassium levels

                  • Risk factors: Kidney problems | Illness that could affect kidney function | Diabetes | Taking other medications that increase potassium | Using potassium-based salt substitutes

                    Amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide can raise the amount of potassium in your body, which can sometimes be dangerous. Your risk is greater if you have diabetes or kidney problems or if you're taking other medications that also raise potassium levels. For this reason, make sure your prescriber knows your full medical history and the medications you're taking before you start treatment. Tell a healthcare professional right away if you have signs of high potassium levels, such as nausea, muscle weakness, abnormal heartbeat, or a numbing or tingling feeling.

                    risk-warning

                    Changes in electrolyte, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels

                    Amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide can affect the level of certain electrolytes in your body, including sodium, potassium, and magnesium. You might need blood work done regularly while you're taking this medication to check your electrolyte levels. Tell your care team if you experience a fast heartbeat, weakness, low energy, muscle pain or cramps, nausea, vomiting, or less urination than usual. These can be signs of electrolyte changes in your body.

                    In addition, hydrochlorothiazide can raise your blood sugar levels. Tell your prescriber if you have diabetes or a history of having high blood sugar levels. Your prescriber might recommend that you check your blood sugar at home, or they might order a blood test to check your blood sugar levels once in a while.

                    Hydrochlorothiazide can also raise your cholesterol levels. Make sure to go get your blood work done if your prescriber orders a blood test while you're taking amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide to check your cholesterol levels.

                    risk-warning

                    Lupus

                    Although rare, some people who took thiazide diuretics, like hydrochlorothiazide in this combination medication, developed lupus. And lupus worsened in some people who already had this autoimmune condition before they started the diuretic. Let your prescriber know if you notice a rash across your cheeks and nose, feel very tired, or have joint pain. These can be symptoms of lupus.

                    dosage

                    Amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide dosage forms

                    The average cost for 90 tablets of 5mg/50mg of Amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide is $32.95 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 47.94% off the average retail price of $63.29.
                    tablet
                    Tablet
                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                    5mg/50mg90 tablets$32.95$0.37
                    See more Amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide dosage
                    interactions

                    Interactions between Amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide and other drugs

                    Amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                    Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                    Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                    Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                    See more Amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide interactions
                    drug-cost

                    How much does Amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide cost?

                    To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                    Amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide (generic)
                    GoodRx lowest price

                    $32.95

                    (save 47.94%)
                    View prices & coupons
                    contraindications-icon

                    Amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide contraindications

                    Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide will not be safe for you to take.
                    alternatives

                    What are alternatives to Amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide?

                    There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                    Amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide
                    Used for:
                    $32.95 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    Maxzide (triamterene / hydrochlorothiazide)
                    Used for:

                    • High blood pressure

                    • Swelling

                    $10.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    Aldactazide (spironolactone / hydrochlorothiazide)
                    Used for:
                    $39.23 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    images

                    Amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide images

                    Peach Round M 577 - Amiloride Hydrochloride / Hydrochlorothiazide 5mg-50mg Tablet
                    This medicine is Peach, Round, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "M 577".Peach Round M 577 - Amiloride Hydrochloride / Hydrochlorothiazide 5mg-50mg Tablet
                    Yellow Round Barr And 555 483 - Amiloride Hydrochloride / Hydrochlorothiazide 5mg-50mg Tablet
                    This medicine is Yellow, Round, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "Barr" And "555 483".Yellow Round Barr And 555 483 - Amiloride Hydrochloride / Hydrochlorothiazide 5mg-50mg Tablet

                    Get savings updates for Amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide

                    Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.

                    By providing your email, you consent to receive marketing communications from GoodRx, which may include content and/or data related to men’s health, women's health, reproductive care, or sexual health. You agree to the GoodRx Terms of Use and acknowledge the Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.

                    References

                    Best studies we found

                    Davis, M. (2019). Cardiovascular disease medication during pregnancy. American College of Cardiology.

                    Montford, J. R., et al. (2017). How dangerous is hyperkalemia? Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.

                    National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2017). Diabetic kidney disease.

                    View All References (1)

                    Teva Pharmaceuticals. (2022). Amiloride hydrochloride and hydrochlorothiazide- amiloride hydrochloride and hydrochlorothiazide tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

                    GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
                    Was this page helpful?

                    Browse medications

                    View All

                    Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.