Spironolactone

What is Spironolactone?

Spironolactone blocks aldosterone, helping the body shed salt and water while holding onto potassium. It is used for heart failure, stubborn hypertension, and some hormone-related conditions.

How it works

By antagonizing aldosterone receptors in the kidney, it reduces sodium reabsorption and water retention. This lowers blood pressure and heart workload. It also lessens androgen effects in skin and hair follicles.

Common uses

• Heart failure to reduce hospitalizations and mortality
• Add-on for resistant high blood pressure
• Treatment of acne, hirsutism, or PCOS-related symptoms

Monitoring & Safety

• Labs: Check potassium, creatinine, egfr, and sodium within 3-7 days of changes.
• Breast tenderness, menstrual changes, and dizziness are possible; high potassium is the main risk.

Dosing (简要)

• Heart failure doses often 12.5-25 mg daily; may titrate to 50 mg if tolerated.
• Take with food to reduce stomach upset.

Drug interactions

• ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or potassium supplements raise hyperkalemia risk.
• NSAIDs can blunt diuretic effect and stress kidneys.
• Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole can sharply increase potassium.

Patient tips

• Avoid salt substitutes containing potassium unless cleared by your clinician.
• Report muscle weakness or slow heartbeat quickly.
• For acne, improvement may take 2-3 months; do not stop abruptly without guidance.

When to contact your doctor

• Palpitations, muscle paralysis, or severe weakness.
• Little to no urine output or sudden weight gain.
• Severe breast pain or unexpected vaginal bleeding.

Medical Disclaimer: 本内容仅供教育用途，不能替代专业医疗建议。