Potassium-sparing diuretics are drugs used to increase urine output while keeping potassium levels in blood. This drug works by blocking the exchange of sodium and potassium in the kidneys or by blocking the hormone aldosterone.
Potassium-sparing diuretics are also known as potassium-sparing diuretics or K sparing diuretics. This drug will reduce water and sodium levels in the body while maintaining potassium levels. Potassium-sparing diuretics are used to prevent, treat, or relieve the symptoms of some of the following conditions and diseases:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Ascites
- Cirrhosis
- Edema
- Heart failure
- Potassium deficiency (hypokalemia)
Types of Potassium-Saving Diuretics
Potassium-sparing diuretics are a type of diuretic drug, but they do not lower potassium levels in the blood. Potassium-sparing diuretics are usually used in combination with other types of diuretics.
In addition to increasing effectiveness, a combination of diuretics is also used to keep potassium levels in the blood at normal levels.
Precautions Before Using Potassium-Saving Diuretics
- Do not take potassium-sparing diuretics if you have a history of allergies to these drugs.
- This medicine should not be used by people with certain diseases, such as hyperkalemia, severe kidney problems, or Addison's disease. Tell your doctor if you have any of these diseases.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking potassium supplements, herbal remedies, or certain medications, including antihypertensive drugs ACE inhibitor and ARBs.
- Tell your doctor if you have ever had gout, liver disease, diabetes, or kidney stones.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- If you have an allergic reaction or overdose after taking potassium-sparing diuretics, contact your doctor immediately.
Side Effects and Dangers of Potassium-Saving Diuretics
Hyperkalemia is the most common side effect of taking potassium-sparing diuretics. Hyperkalemia can cause symptoms such as:
- Muscles that feel weak or paralyzed
- Tingling sensation or numbness
- Heart palpitations or palpitations
- Chest pain
- Hard to breathe
- Nausea or vomiting
In addition to increased potassium levels, the following side effects can also arise from the use of potassium-sparing diuretics, namely:
- Headache
- Dizzy
- Dry mouth and thirst
- Stomach heartburn, pain, or cramps
- Loss of appetite
- Enlarged or painful breasts
- Bleeding outside the menstrual cycle
- Erectile dysfunction
- Diarrhea
- Excessive hair growth
- Excessive tiredness or sleepiness
Types, Trademarks and Dosage of Potassium-Saving Diuretics
Potassium-sparing diuretic drugs are only given by a doctor. The dose of potassium-sparing diuretic drugs can vary. This depends on the type of medication, age, and condition of the patient. The following is further explained:
Amiloride
Dosage form: tablet
Trademark: Lorinide mite
- Condition: edema
Adults: initial dose 5–10 mg daily. If used concurrently with other diuretics or antihypertensive drugs, the dose given is 2.5 mg per day. Maximum dose: 20 mg per day.
Eplerenone
Dosage form: tablet
Trademark: Inspra
- Condition: hypertension
Initial dose: 50 mg, per day.
Maximum dose: 50 mg, 2 times a day. It can take up to 1 month to see the effectiveness of the drug.
- Condition: heart failure after heart attack
Initial dose: 25 mg per day
Follow-up dose: the dose may be increased to 50 mg per day in the first 1 month. The dose will be adjusted to the level of potassium in the blood.
Spironolactone
Dosage form: tablet
Trademarks: Aldactone, Letonal, Spirola and Spironolactone.
- Condition: edema
Adults: 100 mg once daily.
Maximum dose: 400 mg per day.
- Condition: cirrhosis with ascites and edema
Adults: 100–400 mg per day, the dose is adjusted according to the level of sodium and potassium in the blood.
Children: 3 mg/kgBW per day, divided doses and adjusted according to the body's response.
- Condition: hypertension
Adults: 50–100 mg daily when used alone (monotherapy), 1–2 times daily. The dose can be adjusted after 2 weeks based on the body's response.
- Condition: congestive heart failure
Adults: 25–50 mg once daily. The dose can be reduced to 25 mg every 2 days or depending on the body's response.
Children: initial dose 3 mg/kg in divided doses. The dose can be adjusted according to the body's response.
- Condition: hypokalemia due to diuretic drugs
Adults: 25–100 mg per day.
- Condition: hyperaldosteronism or excessive aldosterone levels
Adults: 100–400 mg per day.
Children: initial dose 3 mg/kg in divided doses. The dose can be adjusted according to the body's response.
Triamterene
Dosage form: tablet
Trademark: -
- Condition: edema
Adults: 150–250 mg, 2 times daily after breakfast and lunch.
Maximum dose: 300 mg per day.
- Condition: hypertension
Adults: initial dose of 50 mg daily, if used concomitantly with other diuretics.
To get a more detailed explanation of each type of potassium diuretic drug above, please visit the A-Z drug page.
