mineralocorticoid
3 interactions related to mineralocorticoid
prednisone + potassium
Prednisone has weak mineralocorticoid activity that promotes potassium loss through the kidneys. With higher doses or prolonged use this can lower blood potassium (hypokalemia), which may show up as muscle weakness, fatigue, cramps, or palpitations. The risk is greatest when other potassium-wasting drugs or licorice are also in the mix.
spironolactone + potassium
Spironolactone makes your body hold on to potassium instead of flushing it out. Adding a potassium supplement, salt substitute, or potassium-loaded diet on top of that can push blood potassium to a dangerous level.
spironolactone + licorice
Glycyrrhizin in licorice is converted to glycyrrhetinic acid, which inhibits the kidney enzyme 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2. This lets cortisol stimulate the mineralocorticoid receptor - the same receptor spironolactone is designed to block. The two pull in opposite directions: licorice tends to raise blood pressure and lower potassium, while spironolactone lowers blood pressure and raises potassium, so the herb can partially blunt the drug's intended effect.