Cardiology medications

Question 1

Potassium sparing diuretics

Answer 1

• amiloride
• triamterene

Question 2

Potassium sparing diuretic MOA

Answer 2

• decrease membrane permeability to Na by inhibiting epithelial sodium transport at the late distal tubule
• leads to increased K b/c of Na/K transport

Question 3

Amiloride pearls

Answer 3

• take with food
• can be used off label for ascites (if pt not on aldosterone antagonist)
• similar structure with trimethoprim (so Bactrim has potential to cause hyperkalemia)
• renal dose adjust if CrCl < 50 (rude by 50%)

Question 4

Triamterene + HCTZ brand names and strength

Answer 4

• Dyazide: triamterene 37.5mg + HCTZ 25mg
• Maxzide-25: triamterene 75mg + HCTZ 25mg
• Maxzide: triamterene 75mg + HCTZ 50mg

Question 5

Why is triamterene commonly used in combination with HCTZ?

Answer 5

to offset hyperkalemia