What is Spironolactone - Meaning and definition

Published by Roberto Wenk. Last updated date: February 12, 2016.

A synthetic 17-spironolactone corticosteroid with potassium-sparing diuretic, antihypertensive, and antiandrogen activities.
Spironolactone competitively inhibits adrenocortical hormone aldosterone activity in the distal renal tubules, myocardium, and vasculature.
This agent may inhibit the pathophysiologic effects of aldosterone produced in excess by various types of malignant and benign tumors.

National Cancer Institute. NCI Drug Dictionary. Internet. September 15, 2009.

Published by Roberto Wenk. Reviewed by Alison Ramsey. Last updated date: February 19, 2019.

Adult
PO
Edema. Initial: 100 mg/day, may adjust dose according to response up to 400 mg/day.
Hepatic cirrhosis w/ ascites and edema. Depending on urinary Na/K ratio: If >1: Initial: 100 mg/day; if <1: Initial: 200-400 mg/day.
Diagnosis of primary hyperaldosteronism. Long test: 400 mg/day for 3-4 wk. Short test: 400 mg/day for 4 days.
Pre-op management of hyperaldosteronism: 100-400 mg/day. Long-term maintenance in the absence of surgery: Admin the lowest effective dose.
HTN, as monotherapy. Initial: 50-100 mg in 1-2 divided doses, may adjust dose after 2 wk.
Severe CHF as adjunct. Initial: 25 mg once daily to max 50 mg/day. May reduce to 25 mg every other day if 25 mg once daily dose is not tolerated.
Diuretic-induced hypokalemia: 25-100 mg/day.

Adverse drug reactions: drowsiness, dizziness, headache, lethargy, leg cramps, GI disturbances, ataxia, mental confusion, rashes, pruritus, alopecia, hyponatremia, electrolyte disturbances, gynecomastia, hirsutism, menstrual irregularities, breast pain, transient elevation in BUN concentration.

Adapted from CIMS Drug Information System. Internet. Accessed on January 10, 2016.

Spironolactone

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