The effect of amiloride on amphotericin B-induced hypokalaemia

Amiloride was administered to 19 oncology patients exhibiting marked amphotericin B-induced electrolyte wasting. Mean serum potassium concentrations increased in the 5 days preceding and following administration (3.4 +/- 0.5 versus 3.9 +/- 0.8 mmol/L, P = 0.002). A trend towards decreased potassium supplementation was also observed (48.0 +/- 66.5 versus 29.4 +/- 43.2 mmol/day, P = 0.12). Amiloride is a therapeutic option to decrease potassium wasting in patients being treated with amphotericin B.