Drug Name:Spironolactone
Drug Class:Aldosterone antagonist, potassium-sparing diuretic
Mechanism of Action:
  • Competitively inhibits aldosterone receptors in the distal convoluted tubule and collecting ducts of the nephron
  • Increases sodium and water excretion while conserving potassium and hydrogen ions
Use:
  • Treatment of hypertension
  • Edema associated with heart failure, cirrhosis, or nephrotic syndrome
  • Hypokalemia
  • Primary hyperaldosteronism
  • Hirsutism in women
Side Effects:
  • Hyperkalemia
  • Gynecomastia
  • Menstrual irregularities
  • Breast tenderness
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
Contraindications:
  • Anuria
  • Hyperkalemia
  • Addison's disease
  • Pregnancy
Specialty:
  • Cardiology
  • Nephrology
  • Endocrinology
  • Dermatology