In a patient with hyperkalemia, which medication should be avoided?

In a patient with hyperkalemia, which medication should be avoided?

• A. Beta blockers
• B. ACE inhibitors
• C. Calcium channel blockers
• D. Loop diuretics

Answer: (B)

Potassium balance in the body is tightly linked to aldosterone, which promotes potassium excretion in the kidneys. ACE inhibitors block the enzyme that forms angiotensin II, which reduces aldosterone release. With less aldosterone, the kidneys reabsorb more potassium and excrete less, causing potassium to rise. In someone who already has high potassium, this can worsen the situation and increase the risk of dangerous heart rhythms, so this medication should be avoided. Other options have different effects: loop diuretics increase potassium loss and can help lower potassium; beta blockers can sometimes cause mild increases in potassium in susceptible individuals; calcium channel blockers do not significantly affect potassium levels.

Potassium balance in the body is tightly linked to aldosterone, which promotes potassium excretion in the kidneys. ACE inhibitors block the enzyme that forms angiotensin II, which reduces aldosterone release. With less aldosterone, the kidneys reabsorb more potassium and excrete less, causing potassium to rise. In someone who already has high potassium, this can worsen the situation and increase the risk of dangerous heart rhythms, so this medication should be avoided.

Other options have different effects: loop diuretics increase potassium loss and can help lower potassium; beta blockers can sometimes cause mild increases in potassium in susceptible individuals; calcium channel blockers do not significantly affect potassium levels.