skip to main content

Spironolactone hyperkalaemia — GPhC CRA MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateCardiovascular TherapeuticsSpironolactone hyperkalaemiaGPhC CRA

A 69-year-old man with heart failure takes spironolactone 25mg daily and ramipril 10mg daily. He asks to buy potassium citrate mixture for urinary discomfort. His last potassium was 5.2 mmol/L. What is the most important interaction to flag?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: EPotassium citrate may worsen hyperkalaemia with spironolactone and ramipril

Spironolactone and ACE inhibitors can increase serum potassium. Adding a potassium-containing preparation may further increase the risk of hyperkalaemia. The patient's recent potassium is already high-normal, which strengthens the need to avoid casual supply and refer. The other options do not describe the main clinically relevant risk.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS