The name is long and a little complicated, but Spironolactone is part of the class of diuretic drugs that is one of the most used classes in medicine, being indicated in various diseases such as hypertension, heart failure, liver cirrhosis etc.
It is noteworthy that there are different types of diuretics, but despite the different mechanisms of action, all have a common feature: they increase the elimination of sodium (salt) and water in the urine.
In this sense, are diuretics especially indicated for the treatment of hypertension and edema (swelling)? problems related to excess salt in the body, which as a consequence cause water retention.
Indications and peculiarities of Spironolactone
Spironolactone (Aldactone®, Spiroctan®, Diacqua®) is a potassium-sparing and antihypertensive diuretic for oral administration that reduces body fluid volume and cardiac output.
It is worth noting that one of the side effects of other diuretics (thiazides and furosemide) is the decrease in blood potassium due to excess urinary loss. Spironolactone, which is a sparer of this mineral, acts by excreting sodium and decreasing potassium excretion? very important for those with low potassium and dangerous for those with high potassium.
Spironolactone also acts by inhibiting a hormone called aldosterone, which, when increased, worsens heart failure and cirrhosis, and is therefore widely used to treat these two diseases.
The indications for Spironolactone, according to the package leaflet, are:
- Essential hypertension;
- Edematous disorders such as edema and ascites of congestive heart failure;
- Hepatical cirrhosis;
- Nephrotic syndrome;
- Idiopathic edema;
- As adjunctive therapy in malignant hypertension;
- In hypokalemia when other measures are considered inappropriate or inadequate;
- Hypokalemia prophylaxis in patients taking digitalis or when other measures are inappropriate or improper.
- Diagnosis and treatment of primary aldosteronism.
- Preoperative treatment of patients with primary hyperaldosteronism.
Contraindications and warnings
Also according to package insert, Spironolactone is contraindicated in acute renal failure, significant impairment of renal function, anuria and hyperkalemia, Addison's disease or hypersensitivity to the components of the formulation.
Since spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, it is noteworthy that administration of potassium supplements or other potassium-sparing agents is not recommended because it may induce hyperkalemia.
Women should inform their doctor about pregnancy occurring during or after treatment. And yet, if they are breastfeeding.
Spironolactone may interact with other medicines, so it is critical to tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines.
In case of undesirable reactions such as nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness, headache, breast pain, malaise, hives, fever, mental confusion, impotence and menstrual disorders, it is also essential to inform the doctor.
As with any other medicine, all other guidelines on the use of spironolactone should be given by the doctor and strictly followed by the patient.
Side effects
The most common side effects of spironolactone are increased potassium, gynecomastia (benign or malignant neoplasia leading to breast growth in men) and menstrual changes.
Spironolactone X Female Fertility
Marcello Valle, Human Reproduction Specialist and Director of the Origen Clinic (RJ), points out that there are no studies relating Spironolactone to fertility disorders in women. "The initiation of use of spironolactone may be associated with changes in menstrual pattern, but it is a temporary situation that improves quickly and spontaneously," he says.
"Still on the issue of fertility, Spironolactone has been used as a treatment for hirsutism (excess body hair), a very common symptom in patients with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and other ovulation disorders," adds the expert.
Spirinolactone In Acne Treatment
In some cases, specialists use spironolactone as a substance in treating acne through pills.
Remember that acne is a disease of the pilosebaceous follicle, which usually occurs in the following regions: face, neck, back and neck. And is spirinolactone then used in cases of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome? when the ovaries increase hormone production and blood concentration of the male hormone, one of the main causes of acne.
The substance has good results in acne treatment, but it can offer some side effects:
- Uneasiness
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Cramps
- Headache
- Breast Pain
Remember that the use of this drug can cause changes in the menstrual cycle. To use it, you need medical attention.
Now you have the main information about spirinolactone, but remember that any questions about this or any other medicine should be addressed with a doctor!
Aldactone (March 2024)
- Prevention and Treatment
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