Clinical Tools and Products













Dangerous Drug Interaction: ACE Inhibitors-Spironolactone

benazepril (Lotensin)
captopril (Capoten)
enalapril (Vasotec)
fosinopril (Monopril)
lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril)
moexipril (Univasc)
perindopril (Aceon)
quinapril (Accupril)
ramipril (Altace)
trandolapril (Mavik)
spironolactone (Aldactone)
Brand names appear in parentheses above and are trademarks of their respective manufacturers/owners.

Impact: Potential for elevated serum potassium levels.1

Mechanism of Interaction: Unknown.

Alternatives to Patient Management: Evaluate need for additional drug therapy. ACE inhibitors are recommended in diabetic patients for nephroprotection. Spironolactone increased survival in patients with severe CHF. Prior to initiation, obtain a potassium level with a serum creatinine and BUN to further evaluate use of these agents in combination.7

Monitoring/Precautions: Potassium levels greater than 5.0 mmol/L and serum creatinine concentrations greater than 2.5mg/dL should be monitored carefully due to risk of severe hyperkalemia and EKG changes.7

References: Follow this link for a complete list of references.

The above information serves only as a guide for use by qualified medical practitioners in understanding, handling and avoiding frequent and potentially dangerous drug interactions that occur in long-term care. This presentation is not intended to instruct a practitioner how to treat any medical condition, nor is it intended to replace a practitioner's best clinical judgment. AMDA expressly disclaims responsibility and liability for any adverse effects, damages or other consequences resulting from the use of any of the information contained in this presentation.

Print Version     11000 Broken Land Parkway, Suite 400 Columbia, MD 21044
    Phone: 410-740-9743 • Toll free: 800-876-2632
    Fax: 410-740-4572 • E-mail: webmaster@amda.com