Answer:
Hello!
The answer is b. Potassium losses are greater with hydrochlorothiazide than with spironolactone.
Explanation:
Hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone is a drug combination prescribed to treat edema, congestive heart failure and nephrotic syndrome.
- Hydrochlorothiazide and Spironolactone both help prevent fluid retention in the body by preventing excessive absorption of salt. Therefore, both of these drugs would ultimately cause salt or potassium losses.
- Unlike hydrochlorothiazide, spironolactone, being a potassium sparring diuretic (a drug that increases urination without the loss of potassium), prevents potassium levels in the body from getting too low.
- Since spironolactone is a potassium sparring drug, it should never be taken with a potassium supplement as it can lead to hyperkalemia (excess potassium).
- Both diuretics act in the same part of the nephron, the distal tubule.
