Potassium sparing diuretics

Potassium sparing diuretics inhibit sodium reabsorption late in the distal tubule and thus indirectly spare potassium excretion. They tend to cause bicarbonate loss, but not chloride.

• often used in conjunction with other diuretics whose potencies are marred by their tendency to cause hypokalaemia. In particular, amiloride is most popular when prescribed with frusemide in co-amilofruse
  
  
• spironolactone - there is evidence to show that spironolactone (e.g. 25mg per day) reduces mortality in congestive heart failure due to left ventricular systolic dysfunction
  
  
• aldosterone antagonists such as spironolactone also have unique indications, such as the treatment of oedema resulting from cirrhosis of the liver, i.e. where aldosterone levels are high

Reference:

(1) Prescriber (2001), 12 (18), 49-61.