Ask An Expert: Atenonol and Potassium

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Ask An Expert: Atenonol and Potassium

Question:

Do foods containing lots of potassium or potassium supplements alter the effectiveness of the beta-blocker atenonol?

Answer:

As long as kidney function is normal, eating foods that are rich in potassium is generally healthy. In fact, most of the potassium-rich foods fall into the fruits and vegetables category. If potassium supplements are added, normal kidneys can usually handle this as well.

Note that certain medications can raise blood potassium levels even when blood tests suggest that the kidneys are working properly. Examples of medications that can raise potassium include angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, ramipril and others), angiotension receptor blockers (irbesartan, losartan and others), spironolactone (Aldactone) and, on rare occasions, trimethoprim (an ingredient in Bactrim and Septra).

The effectiveness of a beta-blocker will not normally be altered by a high potassium diet or potassium supplements as long as the blood potassium remains in the normal range. If blood potassium levels rise above normal, this is a potentially very serious situation. Because beta-blockers slow the heart rate, theoretically a very high potassium level in someone taking a beta-blocker might complicate the problem.

However, if you tend to run a low potassium level because you take one of the non-potassium-sparing diuretics (chlorthalidone, hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide and many others), be sure that you ingest enough potassium daily and that your blood potassium stays in the normal range. A normal potassium level is better for your blood pressure and your heart. It can improve your energy level as well.

Howard LeWine, M.D., is chief editor of Internet Publishing at Harvard Health Publications. He is recognized as an outstanding clinician and teacher and is a recipient of the Internal Medicine Teacher of the Year award at Brigham and Women's Hospital. Dr. LeWine continues to practice Internal Medicine; most recently he became a hospitalist after practicing primary care for over 20 years.

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Last updated:	January 24, 2007

Medical content reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School. Harvard Health Publications, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell.

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