Drug interactions and consequences of sodium restriction

Am J Clin Nutr. 1997 Feb;65(2 Suppl):678S-681S. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/65.2.678S.

Abstract

Dietary sodium restriction has several clinical benefits, particularly that of enhancing the antihypertensive action of diuretics and other blood pressure-lowering drugs. In individuals who form hypercalciuric stones, sodium restriction along with thiazide diuretics helps to reduce urinary calcium. However, there are adverse consequences of sodium restriction, particularly in elderly patients with impaired sodium conservation mechanisms. Ischemic and nephrotoxic injuries are induced more readily in sodium-depleted animals and patients because of impaired renal hemodynamics and activation of the renin-angiotensin system. Acute renal failure can be precipitated by sodium restriction and concomitant angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, and immunosuppressive drugs. Dietary sodium restriction in animals enhances the chronic nephrotoxicity of cyclosporine and tacrolimus, whereas similar doses of these drugs do not produce structural damage in salt-replete animals. Maneuvers that block angiotensin II protect against renal scarring and drug-induced arteriolopathy in this model. Sodium restriction can enhance the renal tubular reabsorption of drugs such as lithium, leading to toxic blood concentrations. Calcium antagonists may have better efficacy when prescribed to salt-replete hypertensive persons. Finally, there is evidence that activation of the renin-angiotensin system by sodium depletion will enhance the growth of cysts in animal models of cystic renal disease. In individual patients, the effects of sodium restriction by diet should balance anticipated benefits against any possible adverse consequences.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Kidney Injury / chemically induced
  • Aminoglycosides
  • Amphotericin B / adverse effects
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / adverse effects
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / adverse effects
  • Antihypertensive Agents / pharmacology
  • Antihypertensive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cisplatin / adverse effects
  • Contrast Media / adverse effects
  • Diet, Sodium-Restricted / adverse effects*
  • Food-Drug Interactions*
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / therapy*
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects
  • Renal Circulation / drug effects

Substances

  • Aminoglycosides
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Antihypertensive Agents
  • Contrast Media
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Amphotericin B
  • Cisplatin