[Use of antipotassiuretic diuretic amiloride in patients with chronic cardiac failure].

Amyloride causes moderate natriuresis and a considerable reduction in urinary potassium excretion. Chlorine excretion and diuresis are less affected in their increase, while hydrogen ions secretion shows a slight decrease. Amyloride effect is localized in convoluted tubules of the kidney, and perhaps collecting tubules as well. When taken orally, its effect becomes evident within 2-3 hours, reaches its peak within 5-6 hours, and slowly declines within 16-18 hours. A daily dose of 10-15 mg is recommended. During a treatment course, the effect is in evidence throughout the whole of the 6-8 days of observation, without any signs of hyperpotassemia or shifts in acid-base balance. Amyloride combined with furosemide, uregit or hypothiazid produces an additive effect on natriuresis and essentially reduces renal loss of potassium and hydrogen ions.