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WHAT IS IT?
Spironolactone is a potassium sparing diuretic that is a competitive aldosterone receptor antagonist in the cortical collecting tubule.
This particular medication in particular also possess some anti-androgen activity:
- Inhibits steroid binding (blocks testosterone receptor)
- Inhibits 17α-hydroxylase
- Inhibits 17,20-desmolase
WHEN DO WE USE IT?
Primary hyperaldosteronism, potassium depletion, heart failure, edema, polycystic ovarian syndrome (reduces androgenic symptoms)
WHEN DO WE AVOID USING IT?
Patients with elevated potassium levels, acute renal insufficiency, anuria
Distributed into milk should be discontinued when nursing.
Avoid usage unless needed! This has been shown to be tumorigenic in rats.
HOW IS IT ADMINISTERED?
Oral administration. Metabolized in the liver and excreted in the urine.
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS/TOXICITY?
Hyperkalemia (and subsequent arrhythmias), endocrinological effects (gynecomastia, anti-androgen effect), type 4 RTA (loss of aldosterone activity)
ANYTHING ELSE TO KEEP IN MIND?
FURTHER READING
Page Updated: 02.23.2016