Bananas Interactions

Bananas are a well-known high-potassium food, and spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that makes the kidneys hold onto potassium. Eating large amounts of bananas (and other high-potassium foods) while taking spironolactone can push blood potassium too high (hyperkalemia), which in serious cases can disturb the heart's rhythm.

Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor that reduces aldosterone, so the kidneys hold onto more potassium and serum potassium tends to rise. A diet heavy in high-potassium foods like bananas can add to that load. For most people with normal kidneys this is a small, manageable effect; the risk of clinically meaningful hyperkalemia is greater in those with reduced kidney function, diabetes, heart failure, or who also take potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplements, or potassium-based salt substitutes.