Drug interactions
Captopril-hydrochlorothiazide + Potassium citrate
Severity: Major
Captopril-hydrochlorothiazide and Potassium citrate: 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
Captopril reduces aldosterone and renal potassium excretion, so supplemental potassium can cause hyperkalemia, especially with renal impairment or diabetes. Hydrochlorothiazide lowers potassium and partly offsets this, but the net effect varies.
What this interaction means in plain words
Captopril-hydrochlorothiazide and Potassium citrate 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 citrate belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract.
Why it happens
ACE inhibition decreases aldosterone-mediated potassium excretion, adding to potassium load, while the thiazide causes potassium loss.
What to do
Monitor serum potassium and renal function within the first weeks and periodically thereafter. Adjust or stop potassium citrate 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?
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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 citrate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Captopril-hydrochlorothiazide with Potassium citrate?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Captopril-hydrochlorothiazide and Potassium citrate 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 reduces aldosterone and renal potassium excretion, so supplemental potassium can cause hyperkalemia, especially with renal impairment or diabetes. Hydrochlorothiazide lowers potassium and partly offsets this, but the net effect varies.
How serious is the interaction between Captopril-hydrochlorothiazide and Potassium citrate?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor serum potassium and renal function within the first weeks and periodically thereafter. Adjust or stop potassium citrate 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.
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