II. Indications
- Potassium-Sparing Diuretics only (Aldosterone independent, Amiloride and Triamterene)
- Selective Aldosterone Receptor Antagonist (Spironolactone, Eplerenone)
- Congestive Heart Failure
- Counter Aldosterone adverse effects on myocardial remodeling
- Congestive Heart Failure
- Non-Steroidal Aldosterone Antagonist (Finerenone)
- Diabetic Nephropathy (Type 2 Diabetes)
- May limit renal fibrosis and inflammation
- May decrease CKD progression (in combination with ACE or ARB)
- Congestive Heart Failure
- Finerenone is FDA approved for Heart Failure with EF >40%
- May be used as an expensive alternative to Spironolactone or Eplerenone (but not together)
- Diabetic Nephropathy (Type 2 Diabetes)
-
Aldosterone Synthase Inhibitor
- Resistant Hypertension, uncontrolled by other combination therapy
III. Mechanism
- Potassium-Sparing Diuretics only (Amiloride, Triamterene)
- Weak Diuretics (compared with Loop Diuretics or Thiazide Diuretics)
- Primarily used to counter urinary Potassium loss with other Diuretics (e.g. Thiazide Diuretics)
- Act directly at the distal convoluted tubule (Aldosterone independent)
- Selective Aldosterone Receptor Antagonists (Spironolactone and Eplerenone)
- Commonly used as adjunctive in Congestive Heart Failure management
- Eplerenone is more selective for Aldosterone than Spironolactone
- Block Aldosterone activity at the distal convoluted tubules and collecting ducts
- Counter Aldosterone adverse effects on myocardial remodeling
- Non-Steroidal Aldosterone Antagonist (Finerenone)
- Similar anti-Aldosterone effects of steroidal Aldosterone Antagonists (Eplerenone, Spironolactone)
- Unlike Spironolactone, not associated with Gynecomastia
-
Aldosterone Synthase Inhibitor (Baxdrostat)
- Inhibits Aldosterone formation by the zona glomerulosa of the Adrenal Cortex
- Reduced circulating Aldosterone, decreases Sodium and water retention
IV. Medications
- Potassium-Sparing Diuretics only (Aldosterone independent)
- Steroidal Aldosterone Antagonists AND Potassium-Sparing Diuretic
- Nonsteroidal Aldosterone Antagonists
- Aldosterone Synthase Inhibitor
V. Precautions
- Monitor Serum Potassium after starting a Potassium-Sparing Diuretic in those at Hyperkalemia risk
- Obtain Serum Potassium at 3 days, 7 days and then monthly for the first 3 months
VI. Adverse Effects: Potassium-Sparing Diuretics (Amiloride and Triamterene)
-
Hyperkalemia
- Risk factors
- Renal Insufficiency
- Concurrent use with agents that raise Potassium (e.g. ACE Inhibitors, Potassium supplements)
- Risk factors
- Blue Urine Color
- Specific to Triamterene
- Decreased renal perfusion (if Sodium and water depletion)
-
Glucose Intolerance
- Potassium-Sparing Diuretics
VII. Drug Interactions
- Potassium supplements (risk of Hyperkalemia)
VIII. References
- Olson (2020) Clinical Pharmacology, Medmaster, Miami, p. 62-3
- Hamilton (2010) Tarason Pocket Pharmacopeia, p. 100