
Spironolactone is used for the treatment of high blood pressure, kidney problems, and various other conditions. The following article provides information about the various uses of this drug.
Spironolactone is a commonly used potassium-sparing diuretic, which is also used as an anti-androgen. It is a 17-lactone drug, which is a synthetic preparation used for the treatment of various liver, kidney, and heart diseases. Aldactone, Aldactazide, Novo-Spiroton, Spirotone, Verospiron, or Spiractin are the trade names under which it is marketed.
When it is administered singly, it acts as a weak diuretic, which is why it has to be combined with some other diuretic for better results. It is available in the form of tablets, and is soluble in water and alcohol. It is also known to be an antagonist of aldosterone. Hence, it can be used for the treatment of medical conditions such as congestive heart failure, nephrotic syndrome, and hepatic cirrhosis.
Uses
- As aforementioned, the drug is a diuretic and has to be used in combination with other diuretic drugs for better results. Since it has a high concentration of potassium, it is used for the treatment of hypokalemia, which is characterized by a low level of potassium in the body.
- The next important use of this drug is to control the production of the hormone aldosterone, which is produced in the adrenal gland. The hormone maintains the fluid levels in our body, but it could lead to hypertension (high blood pressure) when there is excess production of the hormone (Hyperaldosteronism). This condition can be diagnosed at an earlier stage and is treatable.
- When the blood pressure is lowered with this medicine, it prevents further heart complications such as stroke, heart attack, and congestive heart failure. Therefore, it is a very important drug, when it comes to treating heart problems at an initial stage.
- Being a diuretic, it is used for the treatment of a very serious kidney problem called nephritic syndrome, wherein a number of kidney problems develop leading to the kidney dysfunction. This drug helps regulate the kidney function.
- There are many other “off label” uses of this drug, which means that some physicians may prescribe this drug for conditions other than those mentioned above. It could be used for the treatment of acne, which is triggered by hormonal changes. However, this medicine is used to treat acne, only in case of women.
- Another off label use is for the treatment of water retention or bloating in women during Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). The drug helps control the fluid retention, and reduces pain caused due to water retention. It is also used for the treatment of hair loss.
Side Effects
- The most common side effect is the change in the urination pattern, considering the fact that it is a diuretic.
- When the drug is not taken in the right doses or as per prescribed intervals, it could lead to the irregular beating of heart. This could also occur due to the excess production of aldosterone, which the drug is not able to control.
- Muscle pain, drowsiness, nausea, dark urine, and jaundice are some of the side effects of this drug. It could also cause fever, loss of appetite, restlessness, tingling feeling, shallow breathing, and numbness in certain parts of the body.
Remember that the drug is to be taken only with a doctor’s prescription. DO NOT take any diuretic without consulting a doctor, as it could be injurious to your health.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.