The effect on potassium levels of short-term (5—10 days) and “prolonged” (4 weeks)
captopril therapy were compared. No consistent changes during short-term treatment
were found and the elevations in serum potassium associated with prolonged treatment
could not be predicted on the basis of short-term changes. However, a definite correlation
was found between glucose-induced serum potassium alterations (in the course of glucose
tolerance test) during short-term captopril administration and elevations in baseline
serum potassium during prolonged treatment In the patients with glucose-induced paradoxical
serum potassium elevations, baseline serum potassium levels increased more markedly
during prolonged captopril therapy than in patients with the opposite glucose-induced
changes.
Hyperkalemia - Captopril - plasma aldosterone - blood glucose
