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Potassium-sparing diuretics or antikaliuretics [1] refer to drugs that cause diuresis without causing potassium loss in the urine. [2] They are typically used as an adjunct in management of hypertension , cirrhosis , and congestive heart failure . [ 3 ]
The thiazides and potassium-sparing diuretics are considered to be calcium-sparing diuretics. [6] The thiazides cause a net decrease in calcium lost in urine. [7] The potassium-sparing diuretics cause a net increase in calcium lost in urine, but the increase is much smaller than the increase associated with other diuretic classes. [7]
Causes of hypokalemia include vomiting, diarrhea, medications like furosemide and steroids, dialysis, diabetes insipidus, hyperaldosteronism, hypomagnesemia, and not enough intake in the diet. [1] Normal potassium levels in humans are between 3.5 and 5.0 mmol/L (3.5 and 5.0 mEq/L) with levels below 3.5 mmol/L defined as hypokalemia.
The potassium-sparing effects of amiloride offset the low blood potassium (hypokalemia) that is often induced by thiazides or loop diuretics, which is of particular importance in people for whom maintaining a normal level of potassium is critically important. [6]
For potassium-sparing diuretics, its common side effects include hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, metabolic acidosis and sexual dysfunction specifically for spironolactone. [ 4 ] [ 5 ] The use of diuretics should be avoided in patients with severe dehydration, anuria (absence of urine production). [ 4 ]
While many different things can cause diarrhea—including infections or a more serious gastrointestinal condition—in most cases, it will go away after a few days without the need for treatment.
Low potassium is caused by increased excretion of potassium, decreased consumption of potassium rich foods, movement of potassium into the cells, or certain endocrine diseases. [3] Excretion is the most common cause of hypokalemia and can be caused by diuretic use, metabolic acidosis , diabetic ketoacidosis , hyperaldosteronism , and renal ...
Some patients also take potassium-sparing diuretics such as spironolactone to help maintain potassium levels. [11] Paralysis attacks can be managed by drinking one of various potassium salts dissolved in water (debate exists over which, if any one in particular, is best used, but potassium chloride and bicarbonate are common).