The antihypertensive and diuretic effects of amiloride and of its combination with hydrochlorothiazide.

Amiloride (AM), N-amidino-3,5,-diamino-6-chloropyrazinamide hydrochloride, induces natriuretic effects without potassium loss or rise in serum uric acid. 1 , 4 In single doses, AM has been shown to be less potent than hydrochlorothiazide (He); however, when administered daily in approximately maximal dosage, the natriuretic action of AM is sustained for a longer period so that the negative sodium balance equals that of He after 5 days of administration. 5 It seemed desirable therefore to investigate