Spironolactone adverse effect?

Spironolactone adverse effect?

• A. Hypokalemia
• B. Hypotension
• C. Hypoglycemia
• D. Hyperkalemia

Answer: (D)

Spironolactone elevates potassium by blocking aldosterone in the distal nephron, which reduces sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion. This potassium-sparing action causes potassium to accumulate in the blood, making hyperkalemia the characteristic adverse effect. It’s especially risky in patients with impaired kidney function or when combined with other potassium-raising drugs like ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or potassium supplements. Hyperkalemia can lead to dangerous heart rhythm problems, so monitoring potassium levels is essential. Other options reflect effects more typical of different diuretics or metabolic issues (hypokalemia from loop or thiazide diuretics; hypotension or hypoglycemia are not the hallmark adverse effects of spironolactone).

Spironolactone elevates potassium by blocking aldosterone in the distal nephron, which reduces sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion. This potassium-sparing action causes potassium to accumulate in the blood, making hyperkalemia the characteristic adverse effect. It’s especially risky in patients with impaired kidney function or when combined with other potassium-raising drugs like ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or potassium supplements. Hyperkalemia can lead to dangerous heart rhythm problems, so monitoring potassium levels is essential. Other options reflect effects more typical of different diuretics or metabolic issues (hypokalemia from loop or thiazide diuretics; hypotension or hypoglycemia are not the hallmark adverse effects of spironolactone).