This interaction is based on this drug belonging to a drug class. While this drug may differ from the text and references below, drugs within this class work in a similar way and this interaction is applicable to drugs within the same class.

This interaction is based on this drug belonging to a drug class. While this drug may differ from the text and references below, drugs within this class work in a similar way and this interaction is applicable to drugs within the same class.

This interaction is based on this drug belonging to a drug class. While this drug may differ from the text and references below, drugs within this class work in a similar way and this interaction is applicable to drugs within the same class.

Digitalis (Digitalis purpurea) refers to a family of plants commonly called foxglove, which contains digitalis glycosides, chemicals with actions and toxicities similar to the prescription drug digoxin. Thiazide diuretics can increase the risk of digitalis-induced heart disturbances. Thiazide diuretics and digitalis-containing products should be used only under the direct supervision of a doctor trained in their use.

Herbs that have a diuretic effect should be avoided when taking diuretic medications, as they may enhance the effect of these drugs and lead to possible cardiovascular side effects. These herbs include dandelion, uva ursi, juniper, buchu, cleavers, horsetail, and gravel root.

Use buckthorn (Rhamnus catartica, Rhamnus frangula, Frangula alnus) or alder buckthorn for more than ten days consecutively may cause a loss of electrolytes (especially the mineral potassium). Medications that also cause potassium loss, such as some diuretics, should be used with caution when taking buckthorn or alder buckthorn.

One case was reported in which ginkgo use was associated with high blood pressure in a person treated with a thiazide diuretic. Ginkgo was not proven to be the cause of this reaction.

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) may increase the side effects of potassium-depleting diuretics, including thiazide diuretics. Thiazide diuretics and licorice should be used together only under careful medical supervision. At the time of this writing, no evidence was found of interactions between deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) and any diuretic was found in the medical literature.

Preliminary research in animals suggests that amiloride may reduce the urinary excretion of magnesium. It is unknown if this same effect would occur in humans. Nevertheless, persons taking more than 300 mg of magnesium per day and amiloride should consult with a doctor, as this combination may lead to potentially dangerous elevations in levels of magnesium in the body. The combination of amiloride and hydrochlorothiazide would likely eliminate this problem, as hydrochlorothiazide may deplete magnesium.

As a potassium-sparing drug, amiloride reduces urinary loss of potassium. This can cause potassium levels to build up in the body. People taking this drug should avoid use of potassium chloride–containing products, such as Morton Salt Substitute, No Salt, Lite Salt, and others. Even eating several pieces of fruit per day can sometimes cause problems for people taking potassium-sparing diuretics, due to the high potassium content of fruit.

However, one medication (Moduretic) contains the combination of the potassium-sparing drug amiloride and the potassium-depleting drug hydrochlorothiazide. With the use of Moduretic, potassium excess and potassium depletion are both possible. People taking this combination drug should have their potassium levels monitored by a doctor to determine whether their potassium intake should be increased, reduced, or kept the same.