Question

spironolasone is:

Answer 1

Spironolactone is a potassium sparing diuretics.This drug works by blocking aldosterone activities.By blocking aldosterone our body is not able to retain fluids .This drug can lower the blood pressure.Spirnolactone inhibit aldosterone dependant sodium potassium exchange channels in the distal convoluted tubule.This can cause excretion of sodium and water and retention of potassium. It is usually sold under the brand name Aldactone.

Uses of Spironolactone

It is used to treat :

1.Heart failure

2.hyperaldosteronism( a condition where adrenal gland produces high amount of aldosterone hormone)

3.Hypertension

4 Nephrotic syndrome

5.Hypokalemia: Spironolactone prevents our body from absorbing too much salts and keeps potassium levels from getting low.

Spironolactone is also used for it's antiandrogenic properties.This drug is used in the treatment of hirsutism, adult acne vulgaris and female pattern hair loss. Spironolactone slows the production of male hormone androgen.They can be used to treat hair growth in females.Spironolactone is often used to treat cystic acne.Do not prescribe this drug to male because it block testosterone and cause gynecomastia.

Pregnant woman should avoid this drug .The dose of Spironolactone is 25 to 200mg/day.The common side effects of this drug are:

1.Irregular periods

2.Breast tenderness

3.Fatigue

4.Nausea and vomiting

5.increased urination.