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

Document Type : Systematic Review

Authors
A. Khalili 1
H. Karim 2
M. Goudarzvand 3
G. Bayat 1
1 Evidence-based Phytotherapy and Complementary Medicine Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran Department of Physiology-Pharmacology-Medical Physics, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
2 Cardiovascular research center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, IranDepartment of Cardiology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
3 Department of Physiology-Pharmacology-Medical Physics, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
10.48311/mjms.2025.19536
Abstract
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 2 (SGLT2) 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.

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Pathobiology Reserach
Volume 28, Issue 2
March 2025
Pages 7-12