Potassium-sparing Agents during Diuretic Therapy in Hypertension

Three pharmacological agents in use as “potassium-sparing” drugs have been tested by serial measurements of total exchangeable potassium (K_E) during 4 to 12 weeks of oral diuretic therapy in hypertensive subjects. Triamterene seemed ineffective in the dosage used (50 mg twice daily). Spironolactone (25 mg twice daily) reduced K loss to a considerable extent, while Slow-K (32 mEq daily) completely reversed previous K_E deficits. Plasma K levels were a poor indication of degree of K_E restoration.