[Effects of potassium chloride and triamterene on kaliuresis, natriuresis and diuresis in congestive heart failure].
KCl and triamterene were given to 52 patients (27 males and 25 females with CHF) aged 21-82 years. Large-dose KCl (6 g daily) apparently stimulate kaliuresis, natriuresis and diuresis. As a rule, this is associated with a rise or a fall of plasma potassium concentrations. In the latter case potassium elimination runs more actively and may involve both introduced and body's potassium. As low and moderate doses of KCl (1-4 g daily) showed neither natriuretic nor diuretic effects while enhanced kaliuresis occurred in half of the patients only, did not lower potassium concentrations in plasma they are preferable. Daily treatment with triamterene is characterized by inhibition of its K-retaining action on administration day 2-3. Within first 2 days of triamterene discontinuation all the retained K eliminates from the body. Diuretics-induced metabolic alkalosis decreased intensification of natriuresis and diuresis resultant from large-dose KCl treatment.