An Overview of Midamor & Why it Causes Dry Mouth (Also Known as Xerostomia and Cotton Mouth)

The prescription drug Midamor is used to treat several serious medical conditions, including high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. Amiloride is the generic name for Midamor, a medication which works as a type of water pill. Midamor reduces the body's ability to absorb salt and eliminates excess fluid from the body without lowering critical levels of potassium. Midamor, or Amiloride, can be extraordinarily helpful in the management of high blood pressure and congestive heart failure; however, like most medications, it also comes with its share of side effects. Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is one of the most troubling and uncomfortable side effects of Amiloride.

Xerostomia is also known as cotton mouth or dry mouth, a condition in which the mouth is uncomfortably dry. The basic causes of Xerostomia are simple: either the body is dehydrated, or the salivary glands are not functioning normally. On a short-term basis, dry mouth can be extremely uncomfortable and cause bad breath. If Xerostomia (or cotton mouth) is allowed to go untreated, the warm and relatively dry environment of the mouth can lead to an increase in bacterial growth. This can mean new problems with tooth decay or gingivitis. If you are currently taking Midamor or Amiloride and are suffering from Xerostomia, you are probably wondering why your medication is causing this problem. Fortunately, the answer is simple.

Midamor is designed to reduce the amount of fluid in the body. The medication increases the frequency of urination and can lead to dehydration if one isn't careful. With more fluid being expelled from the body than usual, it is easy for dry mouth to become a problem. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce or eliminate the discomfort of Xerostomia or dry mouth. First and foremost, make sure you are drinking enough fluids throughout the day to stay properly hydrated. Since Midamor or Amiloride eliminates fluid retention, you'll need to check with your doctor about the right amount of fluid intake for you. If your doctor feels it is necessary, he or she may also prescribe a topical oral medication to reduce the discomfort of cotton mouth. Secondly, chewing gum is a well known remedy for dry mouth, as it stimulates the salivary glands to moisten the mouth. With a little thought and a few preventative measures, patients can enjoy the benefits of Amiloride while minimizing the uncomfortable side effects.