Cardiovascular Drugs and Medications Q 44

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All potassium-sparing diuretics:

  

     A. Are required supplements during blood transfusion.

     B. Enhance aldosterone action.

     C. Cause hypokalemia.

     D. Are weak diuretics.

    

    

Correct Answer: D. Are weak diuretics.

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Potassium-sparing diuretics are not potent diuretics when used alone. They are used as adjunctive therapy with other diuretics to minimize potassium loss. Potassium-sparing diuretics, which include amiloride (Midamor), spironolactone (Aldactone), and eplerenone (Inspra), avoid the potential problem of potassium loss. But the opposite problem can occur. If potassium levels become too high, it can cause dangerous heart rhythm problems and even cardiac arrest.

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Option A: Potassium-sparing diuretics given during blood transfusions tend to cause hyperkalemia because potassium is present in the transfusion.

Option B: These drugs block aldosterone’s effects. Potassium-sparing diuretics, which include amiloride (Midamor), spironolactone (Aldactone), and eplerenone (Inspra), avoid the potential problem of potassium loss. But the opposite problem can occur. If potassium levels become too high, it can cause dangerous heart rhythm problems and even cardiac arrest.

Option C: These drugs cause hyperkalemia, not hypokalemia People with high blood pressure or heart failure are often advised to limit how much salt or sodium they consume. One way to do that is to use salt substitutes, but these products are high in potassium—a quarter teaspoon of one brand contains about 800 mg of potassium. So, people who take potassium-sparing diuretics should avoid these products.

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