Drug-drug interactions in pharmacotherapy of heart failure: Risk of electrolyte abnormalities

Heart failure (HF) is associated with several systemic complications that require combination therapies. Considering the type and clinical manifestations of HF, several types of medications are used to overcome some harmful activated compensatory mechanisms. Angiotensin receptor–neprilysin inhibitors (ARNIs), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), β-blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) and sodium–glucose cotransporter ۲ (SGLT۲) inhibitors alongside with other classes like diuretics, vasodilators and/or positive inotropic agents constitute the medication basket for patients with heart failure. Polypharmacy with different classes of drugs increases the risk of drug-drug interactions during treatment. One of the main issues in these interactions is the risk of electrolyte abnormalities, especially regarding the potassium level, which would be so threatening. This mini review focused on specific aspects of drug-drug interactions that might occur during treatment and how they can be life-threatening.

کلیدواژه ها:

Heart failure ، ARNIs ، SGLT۲ inhibitors ، ARBs ، ACEIs ، Drug-interaction ، Electrolyte abnormalities