question

Published

If the Aldactone makes retain Potassium because it is potassium sparing diuretics this means it's not losing potassium right? So why do we need to increase the potassium intake? As I believe we need to watch out for HYPERkalemia...

and so my QUESTION is do we really need to increase or decrease Potassium intake in ALDACTONE?

Thanks

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I would say neither; monitor the K level but definitely don't encourage K-rich foods/intake (predisposed to hyperkalemia b/c no K is lost w/ Aldactone) but I don't think it'd be appropriate to tell the pt to avoid K.

Just my thoughts.. not sure what official literature says though

Up Vote Up Vote ×

thanks for the reply.. it maybe maintain the k level right? but im sure in lasix it needs to increase k foods because it is loop diuretics w/c means losing k...

Up Vote Up Vote ×

right, aldactone is a potassium sparing diuretic, you monitor you K levels, but don't do anything right now to increase or decrease it. I wouldn't encourage K rich foods at this point.

lasix is a loop diurectic, meaning you'll loose K and you need to monitor for hypokalemia. encourage K rich foods and give K if appropriate/level too low.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

thanks to all. I just got really confused in hurst because she says when your in aldactone you need to increase your k foods..

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion