| EFFECTS
OF SOME DRUGS ON RENIN AND ALDOSTERONE Patients should ideally not be on any medication listed for 2 weeks prior to test. Aldosterone/renin ratios are less susceptible to interference, but those drugs asterisked must be avoided |
||||
Drug group |
Examples |
Effect on renin |
Effect on aldosterone |
Comments |
| Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) | Aspirin, ibuprofen, indomethacin |
|
â |
Generally consistent effect, probably mediated via renal prostaglandins |
| *b -Blockers | Atenolol, carvedilol, metoprolol, propranolol | â |
â |
Generally consistent effect |
| *Potassium-sparing diuretics | Amiloride, spironolactone, trimterene | á |
á |
Very large increases in renin observed |
| *ACE inhibitors | Captopril, cilazapril, enalapril, fosinopril, lisinopril, perindopril, ramipril | á |
â |
Consistent and large increases in renin nearly always seen; effects on aldosterone inconsistent. |
| Thiazide diuretics | Chlorthalidone, hydro-chlorothiazide, metolazone, xipamide | á |
á |
Generally consistent effect with renin; more variable with aldosterone |
| Loop diuretics | Frusemide | á |
â |
Only small changes seen; effect on aldosterone variable |
| *Calcium channel antagonists | Felodipine, licidipine, nicardipine, nifedipine | áâ |
áâ |
Very variable effects; significant increases and decreases have been reported, as well as no significant differences |
| Laxatives | Most types when used in excess | á |
á |
Probably linked to dehydration with abuse |
Reference: Cartledge S, Lawson N. Aldosterone and renin measurements. Ann Clin Biochem 2000; 37: 262-278