Overview Of Spironolactone
Spironolactone is a type of diuretic used to treat conditions such as heart failure and high blood pressure. This medication is available by prescription, and patients take it daily. Spironolactone tablets come in strengths of twenty-five, fifty, and one hundred milligrams. The drug can be taken as an oral solution as well. When spironolactone is taken for the treatment of high blood pressure, most patients start with an initial dose of fifty to one hundred milligrams per day. The standard dose for the treatment of congestive heart failure is twenty-five to fifty milligrams. Spironolactone should be used with caution in patients who have liver issues, and it is not recommended for individuals with acute renal insufficiency or anuria.
The uses, side effects, precautions, and drug interactions associated with spironolactone are discussed below.
How It Works
Spironolactone belongs to a group of medications known as potassium-sparing diuretics, and it is also considered to be an aldosterone receptor antagonist. The medication works by blocking the action of aldosterone. It accomplishes this by binding to certain receptors in the kidneys that rely on aldosterone to regulate the body's balance of salt and water. When aldosterone is blocked, higher levels of sodium and other salts can be excreted through the kidneys and removed from the body through urination. As the salt exits the body, it takes water along with it, and excess fluid is also removed from the body. In this way, the medication lowers blood pressure and reduces fluid retention.
Uncover the uses and benefits of spironolactone next.
Spironolactone Uses And Benefits
Spironolactone is used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and edema. It is also used in the treatment of patients with low potassium, and doctors may choose to prescribe it for patients who have cirrhosis of the liver. It can be beneficial for individuals with a kidney condition called nephrotic syndrome as well, and it may be recommended for the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that cause elevated levels of aldosterone too. In addition to these uses, spironolactone might be considered for 'off-label' usage in the treatment of acne, male-pattern baldness, and hirsutism. Female patients may be prescribed this medication to manage symptoms associated with pre-menstrual syndrome, and dermatologists could also consider spironolactone in the treatment of hair loss in women.
Get familiar with the potential side effects linked to spironolactone next.
