Spironolactone

Spironolactone, commonly marketed in the names of Berlactone, Spiractin, Aldactone, Spirotone or Novo-Spiroton, is a fabricated steroid used as diuretic and antiandrogen. Diuretic refers to any medication that increases the level of urine excretion in the body or that what is known as diuresis. Antiandrogen or termed as androgen antagonist, is a collection of hormone receptor antagonists. They are well capable of the prevention of biologic effects of sex hormones on males and the effects of androgen.

Spironolactone is applicable in treating increased blood pressure, heart failure, liver and kidney diseases, and those conditions with low potassium level or hypokalemia. Hypokalemia condition is fatal because the body is unsuccessful in retaining the adequate amount of potassium to keep it healthy. Spironolactone is used to remove excess and unwanted fluid due to congestive heart failure, kidney diseases and liver cirrhosis. It counteracts the effects caused by excessive aldosterone production. Overproduction of aldosterone might be excreted from an adrenal gland tumor, or enlargement of this gland may produce the same effect.

Spironolactone is absorbed from gastrointestinal tract. It is metabolized rapidly and reversed into plasma proteins. Most of the metabolites are active and among them, the canrenone, is applied parenterally when fast effect is required. The usual half-life of Spironolactone is eighty-five minutes, but half-life of a canrenone is ten to thirty-five hours, but depends upon the dosage. Main route is through the urine while some could be in the bile.

Spironolactone is provided in tablet forms. It is taken usually once a day or twice, depends upon the dosage prescribed. It could be taken with something like milk to enhance proper absorption. If a person is taking this medicine, he or she is advised to avoid eating foods rich in potassium like that of salmon, broccoli, bananas, spinach, apples and citrus fruits. The dosage varies from patient to patient depends upon the health condition of a person. For those with heart ailments, they are prescribed with low doses. Always follow what is stipulated, no more, no less. Do not stop taking Spironolactone unless directed to do so by your doctor. Halting medication on your own accord may worsen your condition.

To whoever has an allergic history on sulfa drugs or hydrochlorothiazide, be sure to inform your doctor about this. Until it is clear to you the effects of Spironolactone drug has on you, stay out of the steering wheel. Let your doctor monitors progress on regular intervals. If there seems to be no changes or betterment of your condition, do not hesitate to inform your healthcare provider. Take extra precautions when you are doing stressful labors on hot weather. Also, do not forget to let your dentist know that you are under Spironolactone medication before any dental treatments or medical emergencies.

Some side effects of Spironolactone are confusion, increased thirst, urinating problems, severe diarrhea, vomiting and excessive sweating. Do not disregard any of these symptoms. It can also be associated with increased rate risk of stomach bleeding and duodenum. Duodenum refers to the hollow tube that connects the stomach to jejunum, the central division of the smaller intestine. Spironolactone is said to have a meaningful extinction and morbidity advantage in RALES (Randomized Aldactone Evaluation Study). It studies patients with severe heart failure. Patients who were studied showed lesser symptoms of chronic heart failure and have been hospitalized less compared to those who were not receiving Spironolactone.

So how does one keep this drug? It should just stay in its container and be sealed tightly. As always, away from children’s reach. Some containers or labels show the expiration date. If your medicine does not show any and you are unsure of its expiry, you may contact your pharmacist. Spironolactone may be availed in three preparations: 25 mg, 50 mg, or 100 mg.