Potassium-sparing diuretics

Other names: Potassium sparing diuretics

What are Potassium-sparing diuretics

Potassium-sparing diuretics are medicines that increase diuresis (urination) without the loss of potassium. They are generally weak diuretics and work by interfering with the sodium-potassium exchange in the distal convoluted tubule of the kidneys or as an antagonist at the aldosterone receptor. Aldosterone promotes the retention of sodium and water, so if potassium-sparing diuretics are used to block this effect, more sodium and water can pass into the collecting ducts of the kidneys, increasing diuresis.

Because potassium-sparing diuretics do not promote the secretion of potassium during diuresis they do not cause hypokalemia (low potassium levels). However, there is a risk of hyperkalemia (high potassium levels) if they are used with other agents that also retain potassium, such as ACE inhibitors.

Potassium-sparing diuretics may be used alone or in conjunction with loop or thiazide diuretics.

List of Potassium-sparing diuretics:

Drug Name ( View by: Brand | Generic )	Reviews	Ratings
Inspra (Pro, More...) generic name: eplerenone	1 review		10
Dyrenium (Pro, More...) generic name: triamterene	1 review		8.0
Aldactone (Pro, More...) generic name: spironolactone	16 reviews		7.0
Midamor (Pro, More...) generic name: amiloride	1 review		3.5