What it means
A group of diureticdy-yoo-RET-ikA drug that makes the kidneys pass more water and salt out of the body as urine.dia- throughur/o urine-etic relating toFull entry that act at the end of the kidney tubule. They include spironolactonespeer-uh-noh-LAK-toneA diuretic that removes extra water from the body while keeping potassium in.Full entry and eplerenone, which block the hormone aldosterone, and amiloride and triamterene. They are used for heart failure, high blood pressure, swelling in liver disease and, often, with other diuretics to keep potassium from falling. The main danger is a high potassium level (hyperkalemiahy-per-kuh-LEE-mee-uhA blood potassium level above normal, over 5.0 mEq/L.hyper- abovekal potassium (from its Latin name, kalium)-emia in the bloodFull entry ). Spironolactone can also cause breast swelling in men.
For the nurse
Follow the potassium level and kidney function. Teach the client to avoid potassium supplements and salt substitutes, which contain potassium, unless the provider says otherwise. The risk is higher with ACE inhibitors and kidney disease.
At a glance
| Drug class | potassium-sparing diuretic |
|---|---|
| Also written | potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium sparing diuretic, potassium sparing diuretics |
Related terms
potassium
A mineral in the blood that nerves and muscles, including the heart, need in order to work.
hyperkalemia
A blood potassium level above normal, over 5.0 mEq/L.
diuretic
A drug that makes the kidneys pass more water and salt out of the body as urine.
spironolactone
A diuretic that removes extra water from the body while keeping potassium in.