Amiloride, Eplerenone, Spironolactone, Triamterene |
Issues for Surgery |
For treatment of hypertension – loss of blood pressure (BP) control if omitted. For treatment of oedema – risk of fluid retention and increased risk of exacerbation of symptoms in heart failure patients if omitted. For primary hyperaldosteronism (Conn’s Syndrome) – risk of hypertension and hypokalaemia if omitted. For ascites – risk of exacerbation of symptoms if omitted. For acne, female pattern hair loss and hirsutism (off-licence use) – loss of symptom control if omitted. Risk of hyperkalaemia due to impaired renal perfusion or tissue damage from surgical trauma if continued (see Further Information). |
Advice in the Perioperative period |
Continue – including the following combination products: -
If necessary, consideration should be given to prescribing the components of combination products as separate medicines perioperatively. However, some components of combination products do not exist as individual medicines (e.g. hydrochlorothiazide). If there is any doubt about the need to continue/withhold component agents of a combination product, advice should be sought from an anaesthetist. Correct electrolyte abnormalities prior to surgery1. Perioperative Considerations Spironolactone commonly cause gastrointestinal disturbances which may increase the risk of post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Post-operative Advice Monitor urea and electrolytes (U&E’s) and BP. Dosage reduction should be considered in patients with hypovolaemia, hypotension, or electrolyte disturbances1 |
Interaction(s) with Common Anaesthetic Agents |
Hypotension Potassium-sparing diuretics can increase the risk of hypotension when used concomitantly with inhalational or intravenous anaesthetics2, 3. Noradrenaline Spironolactone reduces vascular responsiveness to noradrenaline – caution should be exercised in the management of patients subjected to regional or general anaesthesia4, 5. |
Interaction(s) with other Common Medicines used in the Perioperative Period |
Hypotension Potassium-sparing diuretics can increase the risk of hypotension when used concomitantly with the antiemetics droperidol and prochlorperazine2. Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) NSAIDs may antagonise the antihypertensive and/or diuretic effects of potassium-sparing diuretics3, 4, 5, 6, 7. NSAIDs may increase the risk of acute renal failure (ARF), especially in dehydrated or elderly patients, and hyperkalaemia8 (see Further Information). Patients receiving potassium-sparing diuretics and NSAIDs should be adequately hydrated and have their renal function monitored3, 4, 5, 6, 7. Both potassium-sparing diuretics and NSAIDs increase the risk of hyponatraemia2. Corticosteroids Corticosteroids (e.g. dexamethasone) may potentially decrease antihypertensive effects of potassium-sparing diuretics due to sodium and fluid retention3, 4, 5, 6, 7. Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH)/Unfractionated Heparin (UFH) Potassium-sparing diuretics and LMWH/UFH can increase the risk of hyperkalaemia2 (see Further Information). The risk increases with LMWH duration of use – the manufacturers recommend monitoring of serum electrolytes in patients before starting LMWH therapy, and regularly thereafter particularly if treatment is prolonged beyond seven days5. |
Further Information |
Hyperkalaemia Patients who have undergone surgery are at increased risk of hyperkalaemia due to a number of factors, including increased potassium release from cells due to tissue damage, reduced urinary excretion (e.g. due to volume depletion), or exogenous potassium load (e.g. blood transfusions)8. The risk of hyperkalaemia may be further compounded in patients taking potassium-sparing diuretics, especially in elderly patients, patients with renal insufficiency and patients with diabetes. Serum potassium levels should be monitored3, 4, 6, 7.
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References |
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