What is Spironolactone?
Spironolactone is a generic medication used to remove the build-up of excess fluids from the body caused by certain medical conditions. Aldactone is a brand name version of this drug and it is classified as a potassium-sparing diuretic drug. These types of drugs work by increasing urine output but not allowing potassium levels to decrease as a result. Patients with cirrhosis of the liver or heart failure have increased levels of a hormone produced by the adrenal glands called aldosterone.
Aldosterone causes fluid and salt retention in the kidneys which leads to increasing levels of salt and water in the body and worsening heart failure. Spironolactone medications work by inhibiting the production of aldosterone thus causing the kidneys to rid the body of salt and fluids while retaining potassium levels.
Spironolactone Uses
Spironolactone removes excess fluid from the body that is caused by several different medical conditions including the following; kidney disease, cirrhosis of the liver, and congestive heart failure. This drug may be combined with other medications to treat high blood pressure and low potassium caused by diuretics as well.
This medication typically comes in tablet form with dosage amounts of 25, 50, and 100milligrams; the frequency and dosage amount will vary by condition and individual factors.
