POTASSIUM-

SPARING
DIURETIC

Uriarte, Kate Cybel Sia

Diuretics
o Helps get rid of sodium and water from our
bodies
kidneys release more sodium into urine; taking water
with it from your blood vessels
decreases the amount of fluid flowing through your
blood vessels
less pressure on vessel walls
o Problem: potassium also gets excreted with it
 Potassium-sparing
Diuretics
oAre diuretic drugs that DO NOT promote
the secretion of potassium into the urine
oUsed as adjunctive therapy
oAre weak and is often combined with
other drugs (anti-
hypertensive drugs)
oSpironolactone (Aldactone)
oEplerenone (Inspra)
oTriamterene (Dyrenium)
oAmiloride HCl
 Potassium-sparing Diuretics
INDICATIONS CONTRAINDICATIONS
o Hypertension o Lactating/breast feeding
o Edema o Acute renal insufficiency
o Hypokalemia o Anuria
o Congestive heart failure o Hyperkalemia
o Ascites due to cirrhosis
SIDE EFFECTS
oHyperkalemia
oDehydration oAbdominal cramps
oLethargy oFrequent urination
oHyponatremia oHypotension
oNausea & Vomiting oDiarrhea
oDrowsiness
 ADVERSE EFFECTS
o Severe hyperkalemia
o Patients with cirrhosis is at risk for hepatological
decompensation if dehydration and hyponatremia
occurs
o Patients with primary aldosteronism: weight loss,
fatigue
Symptoms of Hyperkalemia
1. Confusion
2. Irregular heart beat
3. Nervousness
4. Numbness in hands, feet
and lips
5. Shortness of breath
Nursing Responsibilities

1. Monitor I & O 1. Assess mental state

2. Asses dehydration 2. Check daily weight
3. Monitor serum level: 3. Closely monitor elderly
electrolytes, BUN, UA patients
4. Assess edema 4. Check for any
numbness/tingling
5. Monitor V/S sensation
5. Check for any symptoms
of Hyperkalemia
Client Teaching
1. Warn the patient about the 1. Avoid activities that involves
effects; frequent urination alertness
2. Discuss to the patient that 2. Seek consultation before
therapeutic effect takes taking OTC drugs
several days to begin and
lasts after when discontinued 3. Report any signs of
hyperkalemia
3. Avoid food rich in potassium;
whole grains (cereal),
banana, potassium, potatoes,
raisins
4. Avoid alcohol
5. Avoid smoking