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Potassium-Sparing Diuretics

(spironolactone, amiloride)
How it works

Block aldosterone (or its channel) in the collecting duct — mild diuresis that KEEPS potassium.

You'll see
spironolactoneeplerenoneamiloride
Used for
Heart failure (mortality benefit)Cirrhotic ascitesCounteracting hypokalemia from other diuretics
Side effects
HYPERkalemia — the opposite problemGynecomastia (spironolactone)Menstrual irregularities
Monitor
  • Potassium — especially stacked with ACE/ARB, which also raise K
  • Renal function
🎓 Patient teaching

No salt substitutes, no potassium supplements unless prescribed. Report muscle weakness or palpitations (hyperkalemia signs).

Source: Lehne's Pharmacology for Nursing Care, 11th ed.Reference only — verify against your facility's policy.

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