Potassium Sparing Diuretics
Examples
Amiloride
Indications
- Adjunct to diuretic use in hypertension or heart failure for potassium conservation (specialist use)
- Oedema
Contraindications
Contraindications
- Hyperkalaemia
- Anuria
- Addison's disease
Caution
- Diabetes mellitus
- Renal impairment
- Pregnancy and breast feeding
- Elderly
Mechanism
Amiloride works by blocking sodium channels in the distal tubule, thereby reducing sodium reabsorption and causing sodium and water loss. This also reduces potassium excretion in order to balance pH.
Administration
Oral
Adverse Reactions
- Hyperkalaemia
- Hyponatraemia
- GI upset
Interactions
Other drugs which increase potassium, such as ACE inhibitors, Angiotensin II antagonists and aldosterone antagonists, will have an additive effect to the hyperkalaemia induced by potassium sparing diuretics. This may also occur with NSAIDs.
Education
No specific issues
Pharmacokinetics
No specific issues
