Moduretic is a fixed-dose combination of amiloride (a potassium-sparing diuretic) and hydrochlorothiazide (a thiazide diuretic). It is prescribed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and edema related to conditions such as heart failure, liver disease, or certain kidney problems. The thiazide component promotes sodium and water excretion, helping reduce blood volume and swelling, while the amiloride component helps conserve potassium, offsetting the potassium loss that thiazide diuretics can cause.
Clinicians often consider Moduretic when a patient needs a diuretic but is at risk for hypokalemia (low potassium) or has experienced it previously on a thiazide alone. By pairing two mechanisms in a single tablet, Moduretic can simplify regimens and improve electrolyte balance in appropriate patients.
Beyond edema relief, the antihypertensive effect can contribute to lowering the long-term risk of stroke, heart attack, and kidney damage when used as part of a comprehensive blood pressure strategy that may include diet, exercise, and other medications if needed.
Follow your clinician’s instructions precisely. Moduretic is typically taken once daily, preferably in the morning to minimize nighttime urination. Taking it with food can help reduce stomach upset. The fixed-dose tablet most commonly available combines 5 mg of amiloride with 50 mg of hydrochlorothiazide, though generics and local formulations may vary by market.
For hypertension, many prescribers start with one tablet daily and adjust based on blood pressure response and lab results. In edema, the dose and frequency are individualized to the severity of fluid retention and kidney function, with careful attention to electrolytes. Your provider may fine-tune the regimen by changing to individual components (separate amiloride or hydrochlorothiazide tablets) rather than increasing beyond certain limits of the fixed-dose combination.
Do not self-adjust your dose. Over-diuresis can lead to dehydration, lightheadedness, kidney stress, and unsafe electrolyte shifts. Your care team may check potassium and kidney function shortly after starting, then periodically. If you experience excessive thirst, profound fatigue, very low blood pressure symptoms (faintness upon standing), or palpitations, call your clinician promptly.
If you’re switching from another diuretic or combining Moduretic with other blood pressure medications, your prescriber will plan a titration schedule to avoid abrupt changes in blood pressure or potassium levels.
Electrolytes: While amiloride helps conserve potassium, the combination can still cause imbalances—most notably hyperkalemia (high potassium), especially in people with kidney disease, diabetes, or those also taking ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or potassium supplements. Conversely, hydrochlorothiazide can lower sodium and magnesium and raise uric acid. Routine lab monitoring is essential.
Kidney and liver function: Moduretic relies on healthy kidney function for safe excretion. Those with impaired renal function are at increased risk of high potassium and medication accumulation. In advanced liver disease, shifts in electrolytes and fluid can destabilize the condition; use requires close supervision.
Blood pressure and volume: The diuretic effect can lower blood pressure effectively but may cause orthostatic hypotension (lightheadedness when standing), especially in older adults, those on multiple antihypertensives, or during hot weather. Rise slowly from sitting or lying positions and maintain adequate hydration unless otherwise advised.
Metabolic effects: Hydrochlorothiazide can raise uric acid (potentially precipitating gout), slightly increase blood glucose, and affect lipids in some patients. If you have gout, diabetes, or metabolic syndrome, alert your clinician and monitor accordingly.
Sun sensitivity and skin: Hydrochlorothiazide may increase photosensitivity. Use sunscreen, protective clothing, and avoid excessive sun exposure. Rare hypersensitivity reactions can occur; seek care for rash, hives, or swelling.
Diet and supplements: Avoid potassium supplements and salt substitutes containing potassium unless specifically directed and monitored by your clinician. Maintain a consistent, moderate sodium intake; large swings in salt consumption can affect how well the medicine works.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Thiazide diuretics are generally not first-line in pregnancy and can affect placental perfusion; use only if the potential benefit outweighs risk as determined by a clinician. Both components can pass into breast milk to varying degrees; discuss risks and alternatives if breastfeeding.
Do not use Moduretic if you have: anuria (inability to produce urine) or severe renal impairment; pre-existing hyperkalemia; known hypersensitivity to amiloride, hydrochlorothiazide, or sulfonamide-derived drugs; concurrent use of other potassium-sparing diuretics (such as spironolactone or triamterene) or routine potassium supplementation without intensive monitoring. Use is generally inappropriate in acute kidney injury or rapidly worsening kidney function.
Caution or alternative therapy is advised in advanced liver disease, uncontrolled diabetes with fluctuating potassium, gout, a history of severe hyponatremia, or significant hypotension. Always review your complete medical history with your prescriber before starting.
Common effects include increased urination, mild dizziness, headache, dry mouth or thirst, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or stomach upset. These often improve as your body adjusts, especially when the medication is taken with food and in the morning.
Electrolyte-related symptoms can include muscle cramps, weakness, palpitations, or tingling. High potassium (hyperkalemia) may present as fatigue, muscle weakness, numbness, or slow heart rate and can be dangerous. Low sodium (hyponatremia) may cause confusion, headache, imbalance, or seizures in severe cases. Promptly report concerning symptoms.
Metabolic and dermatologic effects may include elevated uric acid (triggering gout flares), minor increases in blood glucose, photosensitivity, and, rarely, rash. Severe allergic reactions are uncommon but require immediate medical care (trouble breathing, facial swelling, widespread hives).
Serious side effects to watch for: marked dizziness or fainting, signs of dehydration (very dry mouth, reduced urination), irregular heartbeat, severe abdominal pain, black or tarry stools, unusual bleeding or bruising, or sudden vision changes. Seek medical evaluation if these occur.
Moduretic interacts with many medications and supplements that influence potassium, kidney function, or blood pressure. Always provide your clinician with a full list of prescriptions, over-the-counter products, and herbal remedies.
Increased risk of high potassium: ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril), ARBs (e.g., losartan), aliskiren, potassium supplements, and potassium-containing salt substitutes. Combining these requires careful lab monitoring or consideration of alternative regimens.
Reduced diuretic/antihypertensive effect or kidney stress: NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) can blunt diuretic action and, together with diuretics, may strain kidneys—especially in dehydration. Use the lowest dose for the shortest time if needed and inform your prescriber.
Lithium: Thiazides can increase lithium levels and toxicity risk; concurrent use generally requires avoidance or close monitoring with potential lithium dose reduction.
Other interactions: Alcohol and other blood pressure medications can lead to additive hypotension. Corticosteroids or ACTH may exacerbate electrolyte loss. Cholestyramine/colestipol can reduce absorption of hydrochlorothiazide—separate dosing times if co-administered. Digoxin sensitivity is influenced by electrolyte shifts; monitor closely. Antidiabetic agents may need adjustment if thiazides raise glucose.
If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it’s close to your next scheduled dose. If it’s late in the day, skipping may help avoid nighttime urination. Do not double up to “catch up.” Resume your regular schedule the next day, and consult your clinician if you frequently forget doses.
An overdose may cause profound diuresis with dehydration, electrolyte disturbances (especially high potassium or low sodium), marked hypotension, confusion, weakness, or irregular heartbeat. This is a medical emergency. Call your local emergency number or contact Poison Control immediately. Stabilization typically involves fluid and electrolyte management, cardiac monitoring, and supportive care. Do not attempt to counteract an overdose with salt or potassium on your own—professional guidance is essential.
Store Moduretic at room temperature, protected from moisture, heat, and direct light. Keep tablets in their original container with the lid tightly closed and out of reach of children and pets. Do not use beyond the expiration date, and ask your pharmacist about safe disposal for unused medication.
I don’t have real-time browsing to verify specific Reddit posts. However, discussions in health-focused subreddits commonly revolve around electrolytes, dosing timing, and combining Moduretic with other blood pressure meds. The themes below are paraphrased composites of typical patient experiences; they are illustrative, not verbatim quotes from identifiable users.
“Jordan S.”: I switched from plain HCTZ to Moduretic because my potassium kept dropping. My labs stabilized, but I had to be careful with salt substitutes. Morning dosing helped me avoid waking up at night.
“A. Nguyen”: My BP came down nicely, but the first week I felt lightheaded when standing. Doctor checked labs—sodium was a bit low, so we adjusted fluid intake and it improved.
“u/RunnerOnMeds”: Biggest tip: get labs on schedule. I felt fine, but potassium crept up. We adjusted my ACE inhibitor and things balanced out.
“Priya K.”: Sun sensitivity was real for me on HCTZ combos—sunscreen and a hat made a difference when walking at midday.
Publicly posted WebMD patient reviews often mention improved swelling and stable potassium compared with thiazide alone, with some users noting dizziness early on or GI upset if taken on an empty stomach. The examples below are paraphrased summaries of typical feedback to illustrate the range of experiences; they are not direct quotations.
“Maria L.”: Helped my ankles stop swelling from heart failure meds. I take it with breakfast to avoid nausea. Lab tests are a must—my doctor caught a potassium change before I felt anything.
“D. Thompson”: After years on HCTZ alone, I had muscle cramps from low potassium. The combo eased that, but I needed a lower dose when I started a new ARB.
“Sam R.”: Works for BP, but I avoid taking it late or I’m up at night. Occasional gout flare—doctor added a uric-acid–lowering plan.
In the United States, Moduretic (amiloride/hydrochlorothiazide) is a prescription-only medication. Buying prescription diuretics without a valid prescription is not legal or safe. Because Moduretic can significantly affect electrolytes and kidney function, a licensed clinician’s evaluation and ongoing monitoring are essential to minimize risks and optimize benefit.
PATMOS EmergiClinic provides a lawful, structured pathway to care through telemedicine and in-person visits. You can consult with a licensed clinician who will review your medical history, current medications, blood pressure goals, and lab results. If Moduretic is appropriate, the clinician can issue a prescription to a legitimate pharmacy; if not, they can recommend alternatives tailored to your situation.
This model preserves patient safety, ensures regulatory compliance, and supports continuity of care. To explore whether Moduretic fits your treatment plan—or to compare options—consider booking a visit with PATMOS EmergiClinic for an evidence-based evaluation and coordinated pharmacy fulfillment.
Moduretic is a fixed-dose combination diuretic that contains amiloride (a potassium-sparing diuretic) and hydrochlorothiazide (a thiazide diuretic) used to treat hypertension and edema while reducing the risk of low potassium.
Hydrochlorothiazide promotes sodium and water loss in the kidneys to lower blood pressure and swelling, while amiloride blocks sodium channels in the distal nephron to conserve potassium and help balance electrolytes.
It is commonly prescribed for high blood pressure, fluid retention due to conditions like heart failure or liver disease, and for patients at risk of thiazide-induced hypokalemia.
People with severe kidney impairment, anuria, high potassium levels, or those using potassium supplements or potassium-containing salt substitutes should avoid it; caution is also needed with ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or other drugs that raise potassium.
Dizziness, increased urination, nausea, headache, and fatigue are common; electrolyte changes such as low sodium, dehydration, or high potassium can occur and may be serious.
Yes, the amiloride component can raise potassium levels, especially in kidney disease, diabetes with renal impairment, or when combined with ACE inhibitors/ARBs; symptoms include muscle weakness, palpitations, or numbness.
Yes, amiloride helps counter thiazide-induced potassium loss, which can reduce the risk of hypokalemia-related cramps, fatigue, or arrhythmias compared with hydrochlorothiazide alone.
Take it in the morning to minimize nighttime urination, with or without food, at the same time daily; follow your prescriber’s instructions and avoid extra potassium unless advised.
Regular checks of serum electrolytes (especially potassium and sodium), kidney function (creatinine, eGFR), and sometimes uric acid and blood pressure logs are recommended.
Yes; ACE inhibitors, ARBs, potassium supplements, NSAIDs, lithium, certain antibiotics (like trimethoprim), and cyclosporine/tacrolimus can interact and increase risks such as hyperkalemia or reduced kidney function.
Diuretics are generally avoided in normal pregnancy unless clearly needed; discuss risks and alternatives with a clinician. Small amounts may pass into breast milk; monitoring of infant hydration and electrolytes may be considered.
The hydrochlorothiazide component can raise uric acid and may precipitate gout in susceptible individuals; staying hydrated and monitoring uric acid can help.
Any weight change is primarily due to fluid loss, not fat reduction; it should not be used for weight loss purposes.
Diuresis often begins within hours of a dose, while full blood pressure effects typically evolve over 2–4 weeks of consistent use.
Take it when remembered the same day unless it is near the next dose; if it is late in the day, consider skipping to avoid nighttime urination and do not double up.
Alcohol can amplify dizziness and low blood pressure and may worsen dehydration; moderation and caution are advised.
Avoid high-potassium foods or salt substitutes rich in potassium unless instructed; maintain adequate hydration and a balanced, low-sodium diet to support blood pressure control.
Yes, generic versions containing amiloride and hydrochlorothiazide are widely available in many regions.
Moduretic combines hydrochlorothiazide with amiloride to reduce hypokalemia risk, offering similar blood pressure reduction with a lower likelihood of potassium loss but a higher risk of hyperkalemia.
Chlorthalidone is generally more potent and longer-acting for blood pressure, while Moduretic trades some potency for improved potassium balance; chlorthalidone may cause more hypokalemia.
Indapamide is a thiazide-like diuretic with long duration and strong outcome data in hypertension; Moduretic adds amiloride to protect potassium, which can be beneficial in patients prone to low potassium but raises hyperkalemia risk.
The combination provides stronger diuresis and blood pressure control than amiloride alone; amiloride solo may be used mainly to correct hypokalemia or as add-on in specific cases.
Spironolactone often reduces resistant hypertension more robustly but carries higher risks of hyperkalemia and endocrine effects (gynecomastia); Moduretic may be preferred when thiazide therapy is necessary and potassium conservation is desired.
Eplerenone has fewer endocrine side effects than spironolactone and is effective for resistant hypertension and heart failure; Moduretic is a thiazide combo targeting diuresis with potassium conservation but still poses hyperkalemia risk.
Both pair a thiazide with a potassium-sparing agent; amiloride (Moduretic) has a lower risk of kidney stone formation than triamterene and fewer drug interactions, with similar blood pressure effects.
Furosemide (a loop diuretic) is stronger for significant edema and works even in lower kidney function; Moduretic is milder and better suited for hypertension and mild edema with potassium conservation.
Loop diuretics like torsemide and bumetanide are preferred in heart failure, advanced CKD, or severe edema; Moduretic is not as potent and amiloride can accumulate in renal impairment.
Thiazide-only combos more often lower potassium; Moduretic helps maintain potassium but raises hyperkalemia risk, especially with RAAS blockers, requiring careful monitoring.
Both aim to balance blood pressure control and potassium; Moduretic inherently conserves potassium, while chlorthalidone plus potassium allows flexible dosing but may still cause swings in potassium and requires adherence to supplements.
Using indapamide with a separate potassium-sparing drug offers dosing flexibility and long BP coverage; Moduretic is convenient as a single pill but less adjustable.
No; acetazolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor used for glaucoma, altitude sickness, and specific indications, not routine hypertension; Moduretic targets blood pressure and edema management.
Thiazides are less effective as GFR declines significantly; loops are preferred in moderate-to-severe CKD. Amiloride in Moduretic can accumulate in renal impairment, increasing hyperkalemia risk, so caution or avoidance may be needed.