Spironolactone drug interactions

Most of the renal tubular reabsorption ofU occurs in the proximal tubule. Nevertheless, Id retention can be increased by any diuretic that leads to depletion of Na, particularly the thiazides (see Chapter 28). Renal excretion can be increased by administration of osmotic diuretics, aceta-zolamide or aminophylline, and triamterene. Spironolactone does not increase the excretion of LiL Some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents can facilitate renal proximal tubular resorption of Id and thereby increase concentrations in plasma to toxic levels. This interaction appears to be particularly prominent with indomethacin, but also may occur with ibuprofen, naproxen, and COX-2 inhibitors, and possibly less so with sulindac and aspirin. A potential drug interaction can occur with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, causing lithium retention (see Chapter 29). 

Aspirin has been shown to slightly reduce the natriuretic effect of spironolactone in healthy individuals, possibly by reducing active renal tubular secretion of canrenone, the active metabolite of spironolactone. However, the hypotensive effect of spironolactone and its effect on urinary potassium excretion in hypertensive patients is apparently not affected. Until more clinical data are available on this potential interaction, patients receiving both drugs should be monitored for signs and symptoms of decreased clinical response to spironolactone [65]. 

One of the best-known lithium interactions is the clinically relevant reduction of renal lithium clearance by combined administration of the drug with diuretics. Special caution is advised when long-term thiazides are combined with lithium. The potassium-sparing diuretics such as spironolactone can also increase plasma... 

Established interactions. The CSM in the UK advises that, as potentially serious hypokalaemia may result from beta2 agonist therapy, particular caution is required in severe asthma, as this effect may be potentiated by theophylline and its derivatives, corticosteroids, diuretics, and by hypoxia. Hypokalaemia with concurrent use of thiazide and loop diuretics may be reduced or even abolished by the addition of spironolactone or high-dose triamterene. Plasma potassium levels should therefore be monitored in patients with severe asthma. Hypokalaemia may result in cardiac arrhythmias in patients with ischaemic heart disease and may also affect the response of patients to drugs such as the digitalis glycosides and an-tiarrhythmics. 

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