I didn't learn this until recently, but some commonly used oral contraceptives--for example Yasmin-28 (the progestin-derivative drospirenone + ethinyl estradiol)--has some mineralocorticoid blocking effect, similar to that seen for spironolactone. It may therefore be associated with hyperkalemia, particularly in patients already on medications that predispose to higher serum K's. The package insert actually recommends monitoring K levels during the first month in patients receiving Yasmin who are also on ACE-I/ARBs, K-sparing diuretics, NSAIDs, or K-supplements, but this recommendation may be overlooked.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Mineralocorticoid-Blocking Activity of Oral Contraceptives
I didn't learn this until recently, but some commonly used oral contraceptives--for example Yasmin-28 (the progestin-derivative drospirenone + ethinyl estradiol)--has some mineralocorticoid blocking effect, similar to that seen for spironolactone. It may therefore be associated with hyperkalemia, particularly in patients already on medications that predispose to higher serum K's. The package insert actually recommends monitoring K levels during the first month in patients receiving Yasmin who are also on ACE-I/ARBs, K-sparing diuretics, NSAIDs, or K-supplements, but this recommendation may be overlooked.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Renal Fellow Network encourages comments and discussion regarding the posts. Do not post any comments that are commercial or advertising in nature. Posts will be deleted if commercial or advertising comments are made. Internet users commenting on the Renal Fellow Network must post information which is true and correct to their knowledge. Sources to health/medical claims must be provided when relevant. Moderators reserve the right to erase, without notification, any comment they would judge inappropriate.