What it means
A mild 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 acts on the last part of the kidney tubule. It is almost always combined with hydrochlorothiazide (Dyazide, Maxzide) to treat high blood pressure and swelling while balancing the potassium the thiazide removes. The main risk is a high blood potassium.
For the nurse
Check potassium levels. Teach the client to avoid potassium supplements and salt substitutes unless prescribed, and to report muscle weakness or an irregular heartbeat. It is used with care in kidney disease and with ACE inhibitors such as benazeprilben-AY-zuh-prilAn ACE inhibitor: a drug that lowers blood pressure by blocking the making of angiotensin II.Full entry .
At a glance
| Drug class | potassium-sparing diuretic |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Dyrenium; with hydrochlorothiazide: Dyazide, Maxzide |
| Also written | Dyrenium |
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.
HCTZ
An abbreviation for hydrochlorothiazide, a thiazide diuretic; it should not be used because it can be misread.
benazepril
An ACE inhibitor: a drug that lowers blood pressure by blocking the making of angiotensin II.