RT Journal
A1 Schnaper HW, Freis ED, Friedman RG, et al
T1 POtassium restoration in hypertensive patients made hypokalemic by hydrochlorothiazide
JF Archives of Internal Medicine
JO Archives of Internal Medicine
YR 1989
FD December 1
VO 149
IS 12
SP 2677
OP 2681
DO 10.1001/archinte.1989.00390120043009
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archinte.1989.00390120043009
AB • Among 447 hypertensive patients, most with a history of diuretic-induced hypokalemia, 252 developed diuretic-induced hypokalemia while receiving hydrochlorothiazide, 50 mg/d. In a randomized study we evaluated the efficacy of three drug regimens in restoring potassium levels while maintaining blood pressure control: hydrochlorothiazide (50 mg/d) plus potassium supplement (20 mmol/d); hydrochlorothiazide (50 mg/d) plus potassium supplement (40 mmol/d); or hydrochlorothiazide (50 mg/d) with triamterene (75 mg/d) in one combination tablet. In all groups, mean serum levels of potassium rose within 1 week and showed no further change thereafter. However, the hydrochlorothiazide/triamterene and hydrochlorothiazide plus 40 mmol of potassium regimens were significantly more effective in restoring serum potassium levels than was the hydrochlorothiazide plus 20 mmol of potassium regimen. A significant increase in magnesium levels was observed only in the group treated with the hydrochlorothiazide/triamterene combination. Each regimen provided continued control of mild to moderate hypertension.(Arch Intern Med. 1989;149:2677-2681)