Which medication is a potassium-sparing diuretic that may lead to hyperkalemia?

The medication that is a potassium-sparing diuretic and may lead to hyperkalemia is Aldactone. Aldactone is the brand name for spironolactone, which works by antagonizing aldosterone, a hormone that promotes sodium retention and potassium excretion. By inhibiting the effects of aldosterone, spironolactone promotes sodium excretion while retaining potassium, which can lead to elevated potassium levels, or hyperkalemia.

Potassium-sparing diuretics like Aldactone are particularly used in conditions where it is important to avoid potassium loss, such as in heart failure or in situations requiring diuresis without the complications of hypokalemia seen in other diuretics. However, it is essential to monitor potassium levels because the retention of potassium can lead to serious cardiac issues if not managed properly.

Furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide, on the other hand, are considered loop and thiazide diuretics, respectively, and they tend to cause potassium loss rather than retention. These medications can lead to hypokalemia instead of hyperkalemia.