spironolactone, by Ali Raif.

Description

Spironolactone belongs to a class of drugs called potassium-sparing diuretics. Diuretics are used to remove surplus fluid from the body’s bloodstream or tissues and are prescribed to treat hypertension. Spironolactone inhibits the hormone aldosterone, thus preventing salt retention and is used to treat advanced heart failure when symptoms persist after other drug therapies are maximized.

Original uses

Management of high blood pressure or edema associated with excessive aldosterone. Primary increased aldosterone levels, cirrhosis of the liver accompanied by edema or ascites, low potassium levels.

Newly discowered uses

Acne, congestive heart failure, familial male precocious puberty, hair loss in women, hirsutism, premenstruel dysphoric syndrome (PMDD), premenstrual syndrome (PMS), polycystic ovary syndrome.

Potential side effects

Edema, drowsiness, lethargy, rash, hives, increased hair growth, breast swelling (men), breast pain (men), increased potassium levels, decreased sodium levels, anorexia, nausea, cramping, diarrhea, liver toxicity.

Cautions

• Notify your doctor if you have increased potassium levels, are pregnant, have kidney or liver impairment, taking other potassium sparing diuretics (such as triamterene, amiloride).
• Avoid potassium supplements, potassium containing salt substitutes, a diet rich in potassium, or other drugs that can cause increased potassium levels.
• Breast swelling is often related to dose and duration of therapy.

Drug interactions

Other potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplements, ACE inhibitors, angiotension receptor antagonists (ACE inhibitors), cotrimoxazole (high dose), salicylates, cholestyramine, digoxin, mitotane.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding cautions

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug pass into breast milk. Therefore, breast-feeding while using this medication is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Special information

This drug has a black box warning regarding the development of tumors when administered for chronic periods in rats. Avoid unnecessary use of the product.

Spironolactone also seems to have antiandrogen potential and has been used to treat hormonal hair loss in women. A report from the University of Bologna, Italy in the Journal of the European Academic Dermatology and Venereology indicated that mild to moderate androgenetic alopecia in women responds to therapy with spironolactone with good results in many cases.