SPIRONOLACTONE

Aldosterone Antagonist

Brand names: Spironolactone, Aldactone

Oral

Mechanism of Action

12.1 Mechanism of Action Spironolactone and its active metabolites are specific pharmacologic antagonists of aldosterone, acting primarily through competitive binding of receptors at the aldosterone-dependent sodium-potassium exchange site in the distal convoluted renal tubule. Spironolactone causes increased amounts of sodium and water to be excreted, while potassium is retained. Spironolactone acts both as a diuretic and as an antihypertensive drug by this mechanism. It may be given alone or with other diuretic agents that act more proximally in the renal tubule.

Indications

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Spironolactone is an aldosterone antagonist indicated for: The treatment of NYHA Class III-IV heart failure and reduced ejection fraction to increase survival

manage edema

and to reduce the need for hospitalization for heart failure ( 1.1 ). Use as an add-on therapy for the treatment of hypertension

to lower blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events

restriction of fluid and sodium intake

manage edema

FDA Warnings

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hyperkalemia: Monitor serum potassium within one week of initiation and regularly thereafter ( 5
This risk is increased by impaired renal function or concomitant potassium supplementation, potassium-containing salt substitutes or drugs that increase potassium, such as angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers [see Drug Interactions (7
The risk of gynecomastia increases in a dose-dependent manner with an onset that varies widely from 1-2 months to over a year

Known Side Effects

11 documented side effects by frequency

Shortness of Breath

>10%

Fatigue

1-10%

Nausea

1-10%

Diarrhea

1-10%

Dizziness

1-10%

Headache

1-10%

Low Blood Pressure

1-10%

Drug Not Working

1-10%

Falls

1-10%

Weakness

1-10%

Vomiting

1-10%

Community Discussions

No community discussions found for SPIRONOLACTONE yet.

Compare With

22 available comparisons

Formulations

Dosage Forms

Tablet

Route

Oral