Hyponatraemia and Moduretic-grand mal seizures: a review.
Three cases are presented which emphasize the importance of hyponatraemia as a cause of grand mal seizures. The combination of hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride appears to increase the risk of hyponatraemia. We discuss the aetiology and treatment of hyponatraemia and review the necessity for such combination therapy. We recommend caution in prescribing diuretics and preparations such as Moduretic should be used only in those few patients shown to need potassium supplementation.
Johnston
C
C
Department of Medicine, St Helier Hospital, Carshalton, Surrey.
Webb
L
L
Daley
J
J
Spathis
G S
GS
D000368:Aged; D000584:Amiloride / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004338:Drug Combinations / Q000009:adverse effects; D004830:Epilepsy, Tonic-Clonic / Q000139:chemically induced*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006852:Hydrochlorothiazide / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007010:Hyponatremia / Q000150:complications*; D008875:Middle Aged
D004338:Drug Combinations; D006852:Hydrochlorothiazide; C010247:amiloride, hydrochlorothiazide drug combination; D000584:Amiloride