potassium sparing diuretics
Last reviewed 01/2018
Potassium sparing diuretics inhibit sodium reabsorption late in the distal tubule and thus indirectly spare potassium excretion. They tend to cause bicarbonate loss, but not chloride.
- often used in conjunction with other diuretics whose potencies are marred
by their tendency to cause hypokalaemia. In particular, amiloride is most
popular when prescribed with frusemide in co-amilofruse
- spironolactone - there is evidence to show that spironolactone (e.g. 25mg
per day) reduces mortality in congestive heart failure due to left ventricular
systolic dysfunction
- aldosterone antagonists such as spironolactone also have unique indications, such as the treatment of oedema resulting from cirrhosis of the liver, i.e. where aldosterone levels are high
Reference:
(1) Prescriber (2001), 12 (18), 49-61.