Medications That Increase Potassium Levels
Section titled “Medications That Increase Potassium Levels”These common blood pressure medications interfere with your kidneys’ ability to get rid of potassium.
If the potassium in your blood runs low, these meds can help raise it, because we need plenty of potassium in us.
If your potassium runs high, or if you are older or have weakening kidneys, these medications can cause harm.
Here's the list:
ACE inhibitors (lisinopril, enalapril, ramipril) — widely prescribed for hypertension, heart failure, and diabetic nephropathy.
Angiotensin receptor blockers / ARBs (losartan, valsartan, irbesartan) — same use as ACE inhibitors.
Potassium-sparing diuretics (spironolactone, eplerenone, amiloride, triamterene) — used in heart failure, hypertension, and other conditions.
NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, including the over-the-counter versions) — these make you retain potassium, particularly with regular use.
Other meds that can raise potassium are trimethoprim for bladder infections, heparin, certain drugs for autoimmune illness, and many others.