Drug interactions
Enalapril-hydrochlorothiazide + Potassium chloride
Severity: Major
Enalapril-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
Enalapril reduces renal potassium excretion, so potassium chloride supplements can cause hyperkalemia, which may be dangerous in renal impairment. Hydrochlorothiazide opposes this by promoting potassium loss, so net effect varies.
What this interaction means in plain words
Enalapril-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.
Enalapril-hydrochlorothiazide belongs to Cardiovascular; Potassium chloride belongs to Gastrointestinal Tract.
Why it happens
ACE inhibitor-induced decrease in aldosterone and potassium excretion adds to the potassium load, partly offset by thiazide kaliuresis.
What to do
Measure serum potassium and creatinine after starting and periodically; supplement only when hypokalemia is documented. Stop or reduce potassium if levels rise.
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 Enalapril-hydrochlorothiazide
- Aliskiren + Enalapril-hydrochlorothiazide Contraindicated
- Dofetilide + Enalapril-hydrochlorothiazide Contraindicated
- Enalapril-hydrochlorothiazide + Protein a column Contraindicated
- Enalapril-hydrochlorothiazide + Sacubitril / valsartan Contraindicated
- Amifostine + Enalapril-hydrochlorothiazide Major
- Amiloride + Enalapril-hydrochlorothiazide Major
Other interactions of Potassium chloride
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Enalapril-hydrochlorothiazide with Potassium chloride?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Enalapril-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. Enalapril reduces renal potassium excretion, so potassium chloride supplements can cause hyperkalemia, which may be dangerous in renal impairment. Hydrochlorothiazide opposes this by promoting potassium loss, so net effect varies.
How serious is the interaction between Enalapril-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: Measure serum potassium and creatinine after starting and periodically; supplement only when hypokalemia is documented. Stop or reduce potassium if levels rise.
What other medicines interact with Enalapril-hydrochlorothiazide?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Enalapril-hydrochlorothiazide with, for example, Aliskiren, Dofetilide, Protein a column. The full list is on the Enalapril-hydrochlorothiazide page.
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