Pharmacology Notes

Amiloride and triamterene block sodium reabsorption at the distal renal tubule, and are sometimes used in combination with loop or thiazide diuretics to reduce the potassium loss that accompanies sodium reabsorption in that part of the nephron.

Hyperkalaemia may occur if potassium-sparing diuretics are used in combination with potassium supplements, ACE inhibitors, aldosterone antagonists or angiotensin II receptor blockers—particularly in patients with renal impairment.