Amiloride is a potassium-sparing diuretic primarily used to treat hypertension, edema associated with heart failure, and conditions causing excessive aldosterone activity. It works by inhibiting epithelial sodium channels (ENaCs) in the distal convoluted tubules and collecting ducts of the kidney, reducing sodium reabsorption and preventing potassium loss, which helps maintain electrolyte balance while promoting mild diuresis. Developed in the 1960s as part of research into safer diuretics that minimized hypokalemia a common side effect of thiazide and loop diuretics amiloride gained clinical use due to its efficacy, safety, and ability to complement other diuretics, remaining an important agent in cardiovascular and renal therapy.
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