What condition must be monitored due to the use of potassium-sparing diuretics?

The condition that must be monitored due to the use of potassium-sparing diuretics is hyperkalemia. Potassium-sparing diuretics, such as spironolactone and eplerenone, work by inhibiting the action of aldosterone in the kidneys. Aldosterone promotes sodium retention and potassium excretion, so blocking its action leads to increased retention of potassium in the blood.

As a result, these diuretics can cause elevated potassium levels, especially in patients who have underlying kidney dysfunction, are taking other medications that affect potassium levels, or are consuming a high-potassium diet. Hyperkalemia can have serious implications, including cardiac effects, which is why regular monitoring of potassium levels is essential in patients receiving these medications.

The conditions listed such as hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia are generally not directly related to the primary action of potassium-sparing diuretics. Meanwhile, hypokalemia is the opposite of what one would expect from potassium-sparing diuretics, as their primary function is to prevent the loss of potassium rather than induce it. Therefore, the importance of monitoring for hyperkalemia is crucial in patients on potassium-sparing diuretics.