Possible Interaction: Chlorothiazide and Potassium

“ Chlorothiazide , 500 mg, caused less sodium and chloride output with similar potassium loss.”

“This suggests that an extrarenal action of chlorothiazide on the cell membrane promotes cellular uptake of potassium.”

“Consequently, if the cellular potassium is further depressed owing to diarrhoea and vomiting or to administration of drugs that cause loss of potassium-such as those of the chlorothiazide group or the steroids-there is a risk that the patient's condition will deteriorate and even end fatally.”

“ Chlorothiazide ( 6-chloro-7-sulfamyl-1,2,4-benzothiadiazine-1, 1-dioxide ) markedly alters the renal excretion of sodium, chloride, and potassium and is a potent diuretic.”

“ Chlorothiazide also promoted the excretion of potassium , whereas meralluride had little effect on potassium excretion.”

“ Chlorothiazide caused an inhibition of distal tubular sodium reabsorption and an enhancement of potassium secretion in the distal nephron.”

“The latter two can also operate to block the potassium wastage of chlorothiazide.”

“The fourth is chlorothiazide , which can, in addition to a desirable hypotensive effect, cause diuresis and quickly deplete the body of potassium.”