POTASSIUM-SPARING DIURETICS All
potassium-sparing diuretics have a weak antihypertensive effect when used by themselves.
Hyperkalaemia--a plasma potassium level of 5.5mmol/L or higher--can develop with the use of
potassium-sparing diuretics. Again, symptoms are nonspecific and include lethargy, weakness, a flaccid paralysis and palpitations.
Hyperkalemia is also a possible side effect, especially for patients diagnosed with diabetes or renal impairment, or taking ACE inhibitors in combination with
potassium-sparing diuretics (Adams et al., 2014).
The classes of drugs used to treat hypertension are angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), angiotensin 1I receptor antagonists (ARBs), direct renin antagonists, calcium channel blockers (CCBs), alpha-1 blockers, direct vasodilators, diuretics, beta-blockers (BBs),
potassium-sparing diuretics, aldosterone receptor blockers and centrally acting alpha-2 antagonists.
Also at risk is anyone on a medication that causes the body to hold onto potassium, including
potassium-sparing diuretics like Dyazide and Spirozide, ACE inhibitors like Lotensin and Vasotec, angiotensin-receptor blockers such as Tevetan and Avapro and daily doses of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen.
Types of diuretics include thiazides, such as Diuril (chlorothiazide) and Esidrex (hydrochlorothiazide);
potassium-sparing diuretics, such as Aldactone (spironolactone); and loop diuretics, such as Lasix (furosemide).
A large study, reported in the May 2006 Archives of Neurology, found that use of
potassium-sparing diuretics to control hypertension resulted in lowering Alzheimer's risk by more than 70 percent.
Differing effects of mineralocorticoid receptor-dependent and-independent
potassium-sparing diuretics on fibrinolytic balance.
Elderly patients who took
potassium-sparing diuretics had a 70% lower rate of developing Alzheimer's disease than those who did not take antihypertensive drugs in a population-based study of dementing illnesses, reported Ara S.
It should be used with caution in women on other medications that can increase potassium, including NSAIDs,
potassium-sparing diuretics, ACE inhibitors, or angiotensin II receptor antagonists.
Potassium-sparing diuretics obviously may spare potassium and magnesium.
Persons taking frusemide and the
potassium-sparing diuretics had higher creatinine levels than those taking thiazides.
