Potassium-sparing diuretic

Potassium-sparing diuretic

Potassium-sparing diuretics (pronunciation: poh-TASS-ee-um SPARE-ing dy-oo-RET-iks) are a class of diuretics that do not promote the excretion of potassium in the urine. They are used in the management of hypertension and edema often due to congestive heart failure or cirrhosis.

Etymology

The term "Potassium-sparing diuretic" is derived from the fact that these medications spare the body from losing potassium, unlike other types of diuretics which can lead to potassium loss.

Mechanism of Action

Potassium-sparing diuretics act on the distal convoluted tubule and collecting ducts in the kidneys to decrease the reabsorption of sodium and increase the excretion of water. They also inhibit the excretion of potassium, hence the name "potassium-sparing".

Types

There are two main types of potassium-sparing diuretics: aldosterone antagonists (such as spironolactone and eplerenone) and sodium channel blockers (such as amiloride and triamterene).

Side Effects

Common side effects of potassium-sparing diuretics include hyperkalemia, gynecomastia, and menstrual irregularities.

Related Terms

• Diuretic
• Hypertension
• Edema
• Congestive heart failure
• Cirrhosis
• Distal convoluted tubule
• Collecting ducts
• Kidneys
• Sodium
• Aldosterone antagonists
• Spironolactone
• Eplerenone
• Amiloride
• Triamterene
• Hyperkalemia
• Gynecomastia
• Menstrual irregularities

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Potassium-sparing diuretic
• Wikipedia's article - Potassium-sparing diuretic

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