Patient was educated on contraindications for potassium-sparing diuretic use as follows:
- Avoid using potassium-sparing diuretics along with any drugs that can result in increasing potassium levels in blood, such as Captopril (ACE inhibitors) and Valsartan (Angiotensin receptor blockers). Using these medications together can result in dangerously elevated potassium levels in the body and can result in conduction disturbances in the heart and heart block.
- Potassium-sparing diuretics are mainly metabolized in the liver. If liver function is deficient, the metabolism of these diuretics can suffer. This can lead to increased blood levels of the medication for longer periods of time, resulting in toxicity and severe side effects. So, these diuretics should be used with caution in individuals with hepatic dysfunction.
- Potassium-sparing diuretics are mainly excreted by the kidneys. Individuals with renal disease cannot excrete these diuretics normally. So, these drugs can stay in circulation for longer time and can be toxic. These diuretics should be used with caution in individuals with compromised renal function.
