Potassium-sparing diuretics are diuretic drugs that do not promote the secretion of potassium into the urine. They are used as adjunctive therapy, together with other drugs, in the treatment of hypertension and management of congestive heart failure. However, at low doses the use of potassium-sparing diuretics has not been found to produce a clinically significant reduction in blood pressure. Potassium-sparing diuretics are generally used in combination with other diuretic drugs e. The combination therefore helps maintain a normal reference range for potassium. On their own this group of drugs may raise potassium levels beyond the normal range, termed hyperkalemia, which risks potentially fatal arrhythmias. The potassium-sparing diuretics are competitive antagonists that either compete with aldosterone for intracellular cytoplasmic receptor sites, or directly block sodium channels specifically epithelial sodium channels ENaC by amiloride. The former prevents the production of proteins that are normally synthesized in reaction to aldosterone.
In addition, potassium supplements should not be taken with these medicines. But the opposite problem can occur. If diuetics kidney excretes more sodium, then water excretion will also increase.
How do potassium-sparing diuretics work? This reduces blood pressure. This loss of water concentrates the urine within the Loop of Henle. Using insulin Diuretics: A cause of low potassium? In general, your kidneys help regulate potassium levels in your blood. People with heart failure, who often gain weight because their bodies hold onto excess fluid a condition called edema, are often prescribed diuretic medications. A diuretic causes an increase in urine a diuresis. FDA alerts. On their own this group of drugs may raise potassium levels beyond the normal range, termed hyperkalemia, which risks potentially fatal arrhythmias.
Diuretics, commonly called “water pills,” are the oldest and some of the least expensive class of drugs used to treat high blood pressure. They help the kidneys eliminate sodium and water from the body. This process decreases blood volume, so the heart has less to pump with each beat, which in turn lowers blood pressure. People with heart failure, who often gain weight because their bodies hold onto excess fluid a condition called edema, are often prescribed diuretic medications. Not surprisingly, one of the most common side effects of taking water pills is frequent urination.