NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination) Practice Exam

Which class of drugs is known to raise potassium levels and includes agents such as ACE inhibitors and Aldosterone receptor antagonists?

1. Anticoagulants

2. Antihypertensives

3. Potassium elevators

4. Diuretics

The correct answer is: Potassium elevators

The correct answer is C. Potassium elevators. This class of drugs, which includes agents like ACE inhibitors and Aldosterone receptor antagonists, is known to raise potassium levels in the body. ACE inhibitors work by blocking the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, which can reduce aldosterone secretion, thus leading to an increase in potassium levels. Aldosterone receptor antagonists, on the other hand, directly block the effects of aldosterone in the kidneys, leading to increased retention of potassium. Anticoagulants (choice A) are medications that prevent blood clot formation and do not typically have a direct effect on potassium levels. Antihypertensives (choice B) may include various classes of drugs used to treat high blood pressure but do not specifically raise potassium levels. Diuretics (choice D) are medications that promote diuresis and can actually decrease potassium levels in the body rather than raise them, making them different from the class of drugs mentioned in the question.