Treatment FAQ

why don't they give potassium sparing diuretics as a first line treatment

by Cedrick Hand Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Potassium supplements must not be given with potassium- sparing diuretics. Administration of a potassium sparing diuretic to a patient receiving an ACE inhibitor or an angiotensin-II receptor antagonist can also cause severe hyperkalaemia. Aldosterone antagonists

Potassium sparing diuretics
Amiloride acts on the distal nephron, while spironolactone is a competitive aldosterone inhibitor. Potassium sparing diuretics have generally been avoided in patients receiving ACE inhibitors, owing to the potential risk of hyperkalaemia.

Full Answer

Can diuretics decrease your potassium level?

These medications are commonly used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and lower extremity swelling. Potassium follows water out of your kidneys to your bladder when your make urine—so diuretics, which increase urination, may lower your potassium levels.

Which is diuretic medication conserves potassium?

There are three types of diuretics:

  • Thiazide
  • Loop
  • Potassium sparing

Which diuretics are potassium wasting?

Which diuretics are potassium wasting?

  • Amiloride.
  • Eplerenone ( Inspra)
  • Spironolactone ( Aldactone, Carospir)
  • Triamterene (Dyrenium)

What is the relationship between potassium and diuretics?

Diuretics are generally safe. Side effects include increased urination and sodium loss. Diuretics can also affect blood potassium levels. If you take a thiazide diuretic, your potassium level can drop too low (hypokalemia), which can cause life-threatening problems with your heartbeat.

What is the caution regarding potassium-sparing diuretics?

They should not be taken by anyone who has high levels of potassium in their blood, severe kidney problems, or Addison's disease. In addition, potassium supplements should not be taken with these medicines.

Why are loop diuretics not first-line?

Loop diuretics should not be used as first-line therapy in hypertension since there are no outcome data with them.

What is the most common side effect of potassium-sparing diuretics?

The side effects associated with potassium-sparing diuretics include: Hyperkalemia (increased levels of potassium in the blood) Nausea and vomiting. Abdominal discomfort.

Which diuretic is first-line for heart failure?

The introduction of loop diuretics, furosemide and ethacrynic acid in the early 1960s however, had a dramatic effect on medical practice and provided clinicians with the evidence to use diuretics as first‐line treatment for patients with chronic heart failure.

Which of the following is the major problem with loop diuretics?

Common and shared side effects of the loop diuretics include dizziness, headache, gastrointestinal upset, hypernatremia, hypokalemia and dehydration.

What are the contraindications of loop diuretics?

Contraindications to loop diuretics include:Anuria.History of hypersensitivity to furosemide, bumetanide, or torsemide (or sulfonamides)Hepatic coma.Severe states of electrolyte depletion.

Would you give a potassium sparing drug to a patient with renal failure?

Potassium-sparing diuretics are associated with an increased risk of hyperkalemia in CKD (Strong). Potassium-sparing diuretics must be used with caution in patients with CKD because of the risk of hyperkalemia.

Can potassium-sparing diuretics cause hyperkalemia?

Hyperkalemia. All potassium-sparing diuretics can cause hyperkalemia. Several groups of patients are at particularly high risk of developing hyperkalemia if they take potassium-sparing diuretics [141].

Do potassium-sparing diuretics cause hyponatremia?

Spironolactone, a potassium sparing diuretic, has also been implicated in the development of hyponatremia [10, 12].

Which diuretic is contraindicated in heart failure?

Combination of aminoglycosides and loop diuretics should be avoided because of the risk of ototoxicity. A low sodium diet (less than 2.4 g sodium) and fluid restriction (less than 1.5 l fluid) can reduce the need to use higher doses in advanced heart failure.

Why do you not use diuretics in diastolic heart failure?

By reducing intravascular volume, diuretics may further impair ventricular diastolic filling in patients with diastolic heart failure and thus reduce stroke volume. Indeed, preliminary studies demonstrate that diuretics may provoke or aggravate hypotension on standing and after meals in these patients.

What diuretic is good for CHF and high potassium?

Summary of Diuretic Drugs used in Heart FailureDrugDuration of ActionCommon Starting DosagePotassium-sparing diureticsAmiloride24 h5 mg onceTriamterene7 to 9 h50 to 75 mg twiceSpironolactone1 to 3 h12.5 to 25.0 mg once9 more rows•Jul 5, 2015

Why is potassium important for heart failure?

Diuretics are often used to fight or prevent swelling in people with heart failure, but taking a potassium-sparing diuretic helps people with heart failure feel better , stay out of the hospital, and live longer.

What foods help with potassium?

Eating foods rich in potassium, like bananas, may help, but often that's not enough. Spironolactone (Aldactone) and triamterene (Dyrenium) are diuretics that "spare" potassium, leaving levels high, but they're pretty weak as diuretics.

Do diuretics affect potassium?

But if you're taking a diuretic, your potassium levels need to be watched. These drugs direct the kidneys to pump water and sodium into the urine. Unfortunately, potassium also slips through the open floodgates.

Can potassium pills cause heart problems?

A low potassium level can cause muscle weakness, cramping, or an abnormal heartbeat, which is especially dangerous for people with heart problems. Potassium pills are one solution, but some tend to taste bad, so people may neglect to take them.

Is the CDC relaxed?

The CDC has relaxed some prevention measures, particularly for people who are fully vaccinated, and especially outdoors. Meanwhile, scientists continue to explore treatments and to keep an eye on viral variants. Stay Informed. View Coronavirus COVID-19 Resource Center.

Does thiazide lower potassium?

Low potassium levels from diuretics. January 23, 2017. Thiazide diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide (Esidrix, HydroDIURIL, other brands) continue to be a very effective way to lower blood pressure for people with hypertension. They're inexpensive, and results from large studies have shown them to be at least as effective as other types ...

Why do we need diuretics?

Diuretics are used to achieve and maintain euvolaemia (the patient’s ‘dry weight’) with the lowest possible dose. This means that the dose must be adjusted, particularly after restoration of the dry body weight, to avoid the risk of dehydration, which leads to hypotension and renal dysfunction.[10] .

What is the mainstay of diuretic therapy for HF?

In general, due to their greater effectiveness, loop diuretics, such as furosemide, are the mainstay of diuretic therapy in HF.

What are the different types of loop diuretics?

Loop diuretics include furosemide, bumetanide, torsemide and ethacrynic acid. While the bioavailability of oral furosemide ranges from 40 to 80 %, the bioavailability of torasemide and bumetanide exceeds 80 %; so these two molecules may be more effective in treating patients suffering from HF.[7]

What is loop diuretic?

Loop diuretics remain a cornerstone in the pharmacological treatment of ADHF and are administered in about 90 % of patients hospitalised for HF.[1] . These drugs are routinely used as initial therapy in ADHF due to their ability to greatly improve the symptoms.

How much sodium is reabsorbed in the collecting duct?

Only 3 % of filtered sodium is reabsorbed at the collecting duct, so this class of drugs does not have an appreciable diuretic effect. However they are often used in association with other more effective diuretics to correct or prevent potassium deficiency.

Why are sodium ducts less effective in glomerular filtration?

They are less effective in patients with reduced glomerular filtration, because they exert their diuretic effects from the luminal side of the nephron.

What is the most common cause of hospitalisation in patients over the age of 65?

HF is the most common cause of hospitalisation in patients over the age of 65.[2] . The main manifestations of the syndrome are symptoms resulting from vascular congestion, such as shortness of breath, abdominal distension, oedema formation and symptoms resulting from low systemic perfusion.

Why do we call potassium diuretics potassium-sparing?

Furthermore, because the sodium-potassium pump exchange can’t occur, potassium stays in the blood (hence SPARING the potassium, which is why we call them potassium-SPARING diuretics). It’s important to note that some patients can experience HYPERkalemia while taking these medications.

What is potassium diuretic?

Potassium-sparing diuretics are medications that help remove extra fluid volume from the blood through increased urination. This review will discuss the mechanism of action of potassium-sparing diuretics, what conditions they treat, nursing implications, side effects, and patient education. Don’t forget to take the potassium-sparing diuretics quiz ...

What medications can increase potassium levels?

Monitor CLOSELY if patient is taking: ACE Inhibitors, ARBs, or NSAIDs: these medications can increase potassium levels…need to closely monitor potassium level. Lithium: potassium-sparing diuretics alter the way the nephron works so they can reduce how well Lithium is cleared from the body, which can lead to lithium toxicity.

Which diuretic inhibitors inhibit the sodium channels in the distal tubule?

Each type achieves the same diuretic effect BUT in different ways. Epithelial sodium channel (ENac) inhibitors. Medications in this group include: Triamterene and Amiloride. These medications directly inhibit the sodium channels within the cells that make up the distal tubule and collecting duct.

Does aldosterone increase blood pressure?

It causes the nephron to reabsorb more sodium and water into the bloodstream but waste potassium. Aldosterone is beneficial in helping increase the blood pressure when it falls too low by increasing the blood volume with the extra sodium and water reabsorbed from the nephron.

Does sodium exchange with potassium?

Therefore, sodium is not exchanged for potassium via this exchange pump and sodium stays in the filtrate (hence so does water) and this leads to a diuretic effect (the patient will have to urinate more). Furthermore, because the sodium-potassium pump exchange can’t occur, potassium stays in the blood (hence SPARING the potassium, ...

Where do nephrons work?

They work on the distal parts of the nephron, specifically the last part of the distal tubule and collecting duct. This is where they alter the sodium and potassium exchange within the nephron.

What is potassium diuretic?

Potassium -sparing diuretics are drugs that cause the excretion of sodium and water while preventing the loss of potassium in the urine. There are several drugs in this class, and each has a different mechanism of action.

How does sodium channel inhibition work?

Sodium channel inhibition: some drugs work by inhibiting sodium channels on the distal part of the nephron, distal tubule, and collecting ducts where the sodium is reabsorbed. As these channels are blocked, the uptake of sodium is blocked and transepithelial potential is not generated; thus, the excretion of potassium is decreased. ...

What is the effect of aldosterone on water?

Aldosterone antagonism: aldosterone is a hormone that increases the reabsorption of sodium and water. These drugs inhibit aldosterone activity by binding to aldosterone receptors present on the collecting ducts and decrease the reabsorption of sodium and water. Potassium-sparing diuretics are considered weak diuretics that are usually given along ...

What is the purpose of water pills?

Diuretics are drugs that work on the kidneys to remove electrolytes such as sodium and chloride from the body in the urine. These electrolytes draw water along with them; thus, excess water also gets eliminated in the urine.

What is secondary aldosteronism?

Secondary aldosteronism (increase in production of aldosterone caused by conditions such as heart failure and decrease in renal flow) Prevention of hypokalaemia (low potassium levels in the blood) occurring when other diuretics are used.

What are some examples of potassium diuretics?

Examples of potassium-sparing diuretics include triamterene (Dyrenium), eplerenone (Inspra), and spironolactone (Aldactone).

What to eat when you have low potassium?

Thiazide and loop diuretics may also cause you to lose potassium in addition to water and sodium. Potassium is an important mineral that maintains healthy fluid levels and regulates heart and muscle function. Your doctor may advise you to take a potassium supplement or to eat foods rich in the nutrient to combat low potassium levels. Potassium-rich foods include: 1 bananas 2 avocados 3 raisins 4 beans 5 dark leafy greens, such as kale and spinach 6 squash 7 mushrooms 8 potatoes 9 yogurt 10 fish

What are some examples of thiazides?

Examples of thiazides include metolazone (Zaroxolyn), indapamide (Lozol), and hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide).

Does thiazide lower blood pressure?

The reduction in blood volume slows the rate at which blood flows through your blood vessels , helping to decrease your blood pressure. Thiazide and loop diuretics may also cause you to lose potassium in addition to water and sodium.

Can diuretics help with high blood pressure?

High blood pressure can be a contributing factor in the development of various forms of heart disease. When chosen as a treatment for hypertension, diuretics have proven to be effective in preventing heart attack and stroke in many individuals.

Is it safe to take diuretics?

Risks and Side Effects. Diuretics are generally safe for most people when taken as prescribed. The most common side effect of diuretics is increased urination. Your potassium, glucose, and cholesterol levels may fluctuate depending on the type of diuretic you’re taking.

Can taking a natural diuretic cause dehydration?

Taking a natural diuretic, even unintentionally through your normal diet, along with a pharmaceutical medication could lead to dehydration and other potentially harmful drug interactions. Speak with your doctor to learn more about which natural diuretics are appropriate to use for treating your condition.

What is the most commonly prescribed diuretic for hypertension?

Diuretics have long been used for the treatment of hypertension. Thiazide diuretics are the most commonly prescribed diuretics for hypertension, but other classes of diuretics may be useful in alternative circumstances.

What are the side effects of thiazides?

Common side effects of thiazides are mostly dose-related and involve electrolyte and metabolic abnormalities.

Can diuretics be used for hypertension?

Although diuretics are no longer considered the preferred agent for treatment of hypertension in adults and children, they remain acceptable first-line options. Diuretics effectively decrease blood pressure in hypertensive patients, and in adults with hypertension reduce the risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes.

What is the target BP for kidney disease?

In patients with chronic kidney disease, the target BP is 130/80. For patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), it is recommended to start on antihypertensive medications if BP is more than 130/80 with a goal of BP lower than 130/80.

What are the side effects of thiazide?

Thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics are associated with multiple side effects. Most of these side effects are directly related to the diuretic dose; hypokalemia and hyponatremia are the most common metabolic effects, followed by hyperuricemia, hypomagnesemia, hyperlipidemia, and increased glucose levels. [42][29] .

Which is better, chlorthalidone or doxazosin mesylate?

Chlorthalidone, when compared with doxazosin mesylate, was better in preventing cardiovascular disease, when compared with lisinopril was found to be better in preventing cardiovascular disease, including strokes and heart failure incidence, and when compared with amlodipine was better in preventing heart failure.

Is chlorthalidone better than hydrochlorothiazide?

They are better at decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease comparing to hydrochlorothiazide. [4][5] Chlorthalidone is the drug of choice to start as monotherapy for hypertension. Studies show it to be the best diuretic to control blood pressure and to prevent mortality and morbidity.

Can non-dihydropyridine cause constipation?

Non-dihydropyridines are associated with bra dycardia and can cause constipation in 25% of patients. CCBs inhibit platelet aggregation and are associated with an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleed; caution is necessary when prescribing these agents to older patients and patients with a high risk of GI bleed.

Is spironolactone a good antihypertensive?

Spironolactone is superior to doxazosin and bisoprolol in lowering blood pressure when added to first-line antihypertensive agents in treating resistant hypertension. [28] Hydralazine can be added for the treatment of resistant hypertension, either alone or in combination with nitrates, in case of heart failure.

Is a beta blocker a diuretic?

The beta-blocker and diuretic combination is associated with a higher incidence of diabetes. Clinicians should use combinations containing beta-blockers when beta-blockers are indicated in patients with heart failure, tachycardia, or post-MI patients.

Applicability of the data

The 2017 hypertension guideline by the American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) gives little guidance on the preferred first-line agent for those without underlying comorbidities, which may direct selection of specific agents.

Home BP monitoring, lifestyle modifications

Pharmacists in both the community and clinic setting should ask patients about their home BP readings and if they are at goal. Encourage patients to obtain a home BP monitor if they don’t have one so they can record their readings to take back to their primary care provider.

Potassium-Sparing Diuretics Pharmacology Nclex Review

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Always ask yourself these 5 questions when you see a drug name to help you understand how the drug works, your role as a nurse, and what information will be asked on an exam about the drug: Name (specifically the family name)? This will tell how the drug works. Used for? This will tell you WHY the drug was ordered…w…
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Name?

  • Potassium-sparing diuretics: these medications don’t cause HYPOkalemia (like the other diuretics we’ve discussed, such a loop diuretics and thiazide diuretics)
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Used for?

  1. Hypertension
  2. Edema/swelling due to heart failure, liver impairment, or nephrotic syndrome
  3. Hypokalemiadue to the effects of diuretics that waste potassium
  4. Hyperaldosteronism (primary aldosteronism or Conn’s Syndrome)…mainly Spironolactone
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Responsibilities as The Nurse?

  • Patients will be losing fluid in the form of urine: watch for signs of dehydration (removing too much fluid) and electrolyte imbalances (keeping too much potassium in the blood) 1. Vitals (elevated heart rate and low blood pressure SBP <90) 2. Monitor closely the patient’s intake and output (especially urinary output…avoid in patients with renal failure) Monitor labs: 1. Hyperkale…
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Side Effects?

  • Hyperkalemia, upset stomach, spironolactone: antiandrogen effects (gynecomastia, menstrual irregulars, sexual dysfunction)…this is because spironolactone affects androgen and progesterone receptors
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Education Pieces For The Patient?

  1. Teach patient to be aware of signs and symptoms of dehydration (excessive thirst, fatigue, no urination, hypotension), and hyperkalemia (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle cramps/weakness, or tingl...
  2. Limiting foods high in potassium and avoid salt-substitutes:
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