Question 81

An increase in serum potassium levels may occur when lisinopril is taken with spironolactone.

When lisinopril is used in conjunction with spironolactone, there is a risk of elevated serum potassium levels due to the potassium-sparing effects of spironolactone, which can lead to hyperkalemia.

A) Amlodipine

Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that does not have a significant effect on potassium levels. It is not known to cause hyperkalemia when taken with lisinopril, making it an unlikely candidate for causing increased serum potassium.

B) Atorvastatin

Atorvastatin is a statin used to lower cholesterol levels and does not influence potassium levels directly. There is no known interaction between atorvastatin and lisinopril that would lead to an increase in serum potassium levels.

C) Furosemide

Furosemide is a loop diuretic that typically promotes the excretion of potassium, which would counteract any potential increase in serum potassium levels caused by lisinopril. Therefore, it is not associated with an increase in potassium levels when used with lisinopril.

D) Spironolactone

Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that can prevent the excretion of potassium, leading to an increase in serum potassium levels when taken with lisinopril. This combination poses a significant risk of hyperkalemia.

Conclusion

The combination of lisinopril and spironolactone is particularly concerning for hyperkalemia due to spironolactone's potassium-sparing properties. In contrast, the other options either do not impact potassium levels or actually promote potassium excretion, solidifying spironolactone as the correct answer for this question.