Kaluril

What it is used for

INDICATIONS AS AT 15 JULY 1998 : Kaluril’s main indication is as concomitant therapy with diuretics to conserve potassium during periods of vigorous diuresis and during long-term maintenance therapy with thiazides or other more potent diuretics. Kaluril when used alone, has mild diuretic and antihypertensive activity. Oedema of cardiac origin. Although Kaluril alone may provide adequate diuresis for some patients with oedema of cardiac origin, it is primarily indicated for concomitant use in patients receiving thiazides or more potent saluretic diuretic agents. In these patients it may provide increased sodium, chloride and water excretion and decreased potassium excretion. The positive effect of Kaluril on potassium balance may be especially important for digitalised cardiac patients, in whom potassium depletion sensitises or exaggerates the response of the heart to the toxic effects of digitalis (e.g. increased ventricular irritability), which may precipitate digitalis intoxication with potentially serious cardiac arrhythmias. Hypertension. Kaluril is used as an adjunctive agent for the prevention of potassium depletion in patients receiving thiazides or other oral saluretic antihypertensive therapy over a prolonged period. When combined with hydrochlorothiazide, Kaluril produces an additive antihypertensive effect. Hepatic cirrhosis with ascites and oedema. Kaluril, when used alone, usually provides adequate diuresis with diminished potassium loss and with a reduced risk of metabolic alkalosis. Kaluril may also be used with other more potent saluretic diuretic agents where greater diuresis is needed while maintaining a more balanced serum electrolyte pattern. As with all therapy for the ascites of hepatic cirrhosis, gradual weight loss and avoidance of electrolyte imbalance are the chief objectives.