Drug interactions
Captopril-hydrochlorothiazide + Potassium chloride
Severity: Major
Captopril-hydrochlorothiazide and Potassium chloride: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Potassium chloride given with captopril can cause clinically significant hyperkalemia, particularly in renal impairment, diabetes or older age. The thiazide may lessen potassium retention but does not remove the risk.
What this interaction means in plain words
Captopril-hydrochlorothiazide and Potassium chloride can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Captopril-hydrochlorothiazide belongs to Cardiovascular; Potassium chloride belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract.
Why it happens
ACE inhibition lowers aldosterone and potassium excretion, while supplementation adds potassium load.
What to do
Check serum potassium and creatinine within the first week or so and periodically thereafter. Avoid routine supplementation unless hypokalemia is documented, and stop it if potassium rises.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
Pro+ members
Unlock the full page
Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Captopril-hydrochlorothiazide and Potassium chloride, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.
- Full clinical management advice
- Additional notes
- Evidence detail
- Interaction checker for a whole prescription
Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.
References
Other interactions of Captopril-hydrochlorothiazide
- Aliskiren + Captopril-hydrochlorothiazide Contraindicated
- Captopril-hydrochlorothiazide + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Captopril-hydrochlorothiazide + Sacubitril / valsartan Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Captopril-hydrochlorothiazide Major
- Aldesleukin + Captopril-hydrochlorothiazide Major
- Amifostine + Captopril-hydrochlorothiazide Major
Other interactions of Potassium chloride
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Captopril-hydrochlorothiazide with Potassium chloride?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Captopril-hydrochlorothiazide and Potassium chloride can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Potassium chloride given with captopril can cause clinically significant hyperkalemia, particularly in renal impairment, diabetes or older age. The thiazide may lessen potassium retention but does not remove the risk.
How serious is the interaction between Captopril-hydrochlorothiazide and Potassium chloride?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Check serum potassium and creatinine within the first week or so and periodically thereafter. Avoid routine supplementation unless hypokalemia is documented, and stop it if potassium rises.
What other medicines interact with Captopril-hydrochlorothiazide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Captopril-hydrochlorothiazide with, for example, Aliskiren, Dofetilide, Sacubitril / valsartan. The full list is on the Captopril-hydrochlorothiazide page.
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.
