Potassium sparing diuretics

Question 1

How does Amiloride work?

Answer 1

Amiloride is a potassium sparing diuretic that blocks epithelial sodium channels in the late DCT in principle cells.

This causes naturiuresis and prevents potassium loss.

Question 2

What is the indication for the drug amiloride?

Answer 2

Used as a K+ sparing agent in hypokalemic alkalosis.

Typically used in combination with loop diuretics and thiazides to prevent potassium wasting.

Question 3

What type of drugs are spironolactone and eplerenone?

Answer 3

these are both aldosterone receptor antagonists

Question 4

How do spironolactone and eplerenone work?

Answer 4

These antagonize aldosterone receptors decreasing sodium reabsorption leading to natriuresis.

K+ is not loss in these patients.

Question 5

What therapeutic effects do spironolactone and eplerenone have in the heart?

Answer 5

Prevent LV remodeling and cardiac fibrosis!

Question 6

What can spironolactone and eplerenone be used for in severe cardiac issues?

Answer 6

Prevent sudden cardiac death.

Question 7

What hemodynamic effects do spironolactone and eplerenone have?

Answer 7

Reduce blood pressure and cause modest diuresis and natriuresis while sparing K+.

Question 8

What are the most indicated uses of spironolactone?

Whats the major side effect?

Answer 8

Adjunct to K+ wasting diuretics.

Added to standard heart failure treatments.

refractory edema associated with secondary aldosteronism.

Can cause hyperkalemia, metabolic acidosis and steroidal overdose problems.