Salt Substitute Interactions

Most salt substitutes replace ordinary table salt with potassium chloride, so they act as concentrated potassium supplements. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that reduces how much potassium the kidneys excrete. Using the two together can drive potassium high enough to cause dangerous, sometimes life-threatening heart rhythm problems (hyperkalemia).

Most salt substitutes replace sodium chloride with potassium chloride, making them a concentrated source of potassium. Lisinopril and other ACE inhibitors lower aldosterone and reduce the kidneys' ability to clear potassium. Used together, they can raise blood potassium to dangerous levels (hyperkalemia), especially in people with reduced kidney function, diabetes, older age, or who take other potassium-raising medicines.