Thursday, September 15, 2016

Potassium-sparing diuretics


A drug may be classified by the chemical type of the active ingredient or by the way it is used to treat a particular condition. Each drug can be classified into one or more drug classes.

Potassium sparing diuretics increase diuresis by interfering with the sodium-potassium exchange in the distal convoluted tubule in the kidneys or act as an antagonist at the aldosterone receptor (they inhibit the sodium channels associated with the aldosterone-sensitive sodium pump). Aldosterone promotes sodium and water retention so by blocking its effects the potassium sparing diuretics (or aldosterone receptors antagonists) cause more sodium and water to pass into the collecting ducts, increasing diuresis.


Potassium sparing diuretics do not produce hypokalemia so can be used in conjunction with loop and thiazide diuretics.

See also

Medical conditions associated with potassium-sparing diuretics:

  • Acne
  • Alopecia
  • Ascites
  • Edema
  • Heart Failure
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Hirsutism
  • Hypokalemia
  • Primary Hyperaldosteronism
  • Primary Hyperaldosteronism Diagnosis

Drug List:

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