NEW LOWER PRICES - ACT FAST
Medicine (MD/DO)
/
Courses
/
Cardiology
/
Antihypertensive Agents
/
K+ Sparing Diuretics

Master K+ Sparing Diuretics with Picmonic for Medicine

With Picmonic, facts become pictures. We've taken what the science shows - image mnemonics work - but we've boosted the effectiveness by building and associating memorable characters, interesting audio stories, and built-in quizzing.

DOWNLOAD PDF
K+ Sparing Diuretics

Recommended Picmonics

picmonic thumbnail
Hypertension Intervention
picmonic thumbnail
Hypertension Medications
picmonic thumbnail
ACE Inhibitors
picmonic thumbnail
ACE Inhibitor Toxicity
picmonic thumbnail
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs)

K+ Sparing Diuretics

Bananas Shooting Die-rockets
Picmonic
These are a class of diuretic drug which do not promote the secretion of potassium into the urine. They work by either competing with aldosterone for binding sites or directly blocking epithelial Na+ channels (ENaC). They are indicated to treat hypertension and CHF, and are combined with other diuretics to counter the hypokalemia which they may cause. Furthermore, potassium sparing diuretics such as Spironolactone may be used to treat hyperaldosteronism. Common side effects of these medications include hyperkalemia, which may lead to arrhythmias and muscle weakness, as well as spironolactone-induced gynecomastia.
10 KEY FACTS
INDICATIONS
CHF and Hypertension
CHF Heart-balloon and Hiker-BP

K+ sparing diuretics are indicated for CHF and hypertension treatment.

Hypokalemia
Hippo-banana

These diuretics are typically combined with loop diuretics (or others), which tend to decrease body K+ to dangerously low levels. Using K+ sparing diuretics with these other K+ wasting drugs tends to keep a normal potassium reference range.

Hyperaldosteronism
Hiker-Aldo-stereo

The K+ sparing diuretic spironolactone is often used in hyperaldosteronism, as it is a competitive aldosterone receptor antagonist.

MECHANISM OF ACTION
Collecting Tubule
Collecting Tube

These medications work in the cortical collecting tubule, to antagonize aldosterone or Na+ channels.

Spironolactone
Spiral-of-milk

Spironolactone is a drug used for heart failure, ascites, hypertension, hypokalemia and hyperaldosteronism. This drug is also used as an antiandrogenic medication, as it blocks androgen binding through various mechanisms. Eplerenone is a very similar drug to spironolactone.

Competitive Aldosterone Receptor Antagonist
Competitive Aldo-stereo Receptor Ant-toga

Spironolactone works by competing for intracellular mineralocorticoid receptors in the late distal tubule, or collecting tubule. This decreases the reabsorption of Na+ and water, while decreasing the secretion of K+.

Amiloride and Triamterene
Amelia-rider and Triathlete

Amiloride and triamterene are K+ sparing diuretics which act in the distal tubule or collecting tubule to decrease K+ loss by exerting their actions on epithelial sodium channels (ENaC).

Block Na+ Channels
Block-guy Blocking Salt-shaker Channel

These medications directly block epithelial Na+ channels (ENaC) to prevent its resorption in the collecting tubule in the kidneys. By blocking this channel, Na+ is not resorbed and K+ is not exchanged or wasted into the collecting tubule lumen.

SIDE EFFECTS
Hyperkalemia
Hiker-banana

These medications have the potential to cause hyperkalemia, as they prevent its secretion in the cortical collecting tubule. Hyperkalemia can lead to muscle weakness and fatal arrhythmias.

Gynecomastia
Man-boobs

A side effect of Spironolactone administration is gynecomastia (male breasts), as this drug has antiandrogen effects and weak progesteronic effects (progesterone is linked to breast development).

DOWNLOAD PDF

Take the K+ Sparing Diuretics Quiz

Picmonic's rapid review multiple-choice quiz allows you to assess your knowledge.

It's worth every penny

Our Story Mnemonics Increase Mastery and Retention

Memorize facts with phonetic mnemonics

Unforgettable characters with concise but impactful videos (2-4 min each)

Memorize facts with phonetic mnemonics

Ace Your Medicine (MD/DO) Classes & Exams with Picmonic:

Over 1,870,000 students use Picmonic’s picture mnemonics to improve knowledge, retention, and exam performance.

Choose the #1 Medicine (MD/DO) student study app.

Picmonic for Medicine (MD/DO) covers information that is relevant to your entire Medicine (MD/DO) education. Whether you’re studying for your classes or getting ready to conquer the USMLE Step 1, USMLE Step 2 CK, COMLEX Level 1, or COMLEX Level 2, we’re here to help.

Works better than traditional Medicine (MD/DO) flashcards.

Research shows that students who use Picmonic see a 331% improvement in memory retention and a 50% improvement in test scores.