Potassium-sparing diuretic
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2008-07-14T00:14:57Z
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'''Potassium-sparing diuretic''' refers to [[diuretics|diuretic]] drugs that do not promote the secretion of [[potassium]] into the [[urine]]. They are used as adjunctive therapy, together with other drugs, in the treatment of [[hypertension]] and management a [[congestive heart failure]].
==Mechanism of action==
Potassium-Sparing Diuretics (eg Amiloride) are competitive antagonists that compete with aldosterone for intracellular cytoplasmic receptor sites. This prevents the production of proteins that are normally synthesized in reaction to aldosterone. These mediator proteins are not produced, and so stimulation of sodium-potassium exchange sites in the collection tubule does not occur. This prevents sodium readsorption and potassium and hydrogen ion secretion.<ref>Pharmacology. 2nd ed. Harvey, Champe.</ref>
==Indications==
Potassium-sparing diuretics are generally used in combination with other diuretic drugs (e.g. [[loop diuretics]]) that would otherwise tend to lower the potassium levels to potentially dangerous low levels ([[hypokalemia]]). The combination therefore helps maintain a [[Reference ranges for common blood tests|normal reference range]] for potassium.
==Side effects==
On their own this group of drugs may raise potassium levels beyond the normal range, termed [[hyperkalemia]], which risks potentially fatal [[arrhythmia]]s.
==Chemical structure==
Potassium-sparing diuretics do not share any obvious chemical similarities, except for the steroid-structure of the [[aldosterone]] antagonists. Those in clinical use include:
* [[Amiloride]]
* [[Triamterene]]
* [[Aldosterone antagonist]]s:
** [[Spironolactone]]
** [[Eplerenone]]
==See also==
* [[ATC code C03#C03D Potassium-sparing agents|C03D Potassium-sparing agents]]
==External links==
* {{MeshName|Potassium+Sparing+Diuretics}}
==References==
* Block JH, Beale JM. "Organic Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry" 11th edition. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 2004.
{{Antihypertensives and diuretics}}
[[Category:Potassium-sparing diuretics]]
[[Category:Cardiology]]
[[de:Kaliumsparende Diuretika]]
[[es:Diurético ahorrador de potasio]]
[[nl:Kaliumsparend diureticum]]