About spironolactone uses

One of common diuretics is certainly spironolactone. It is sold under different names, such as: Spirotone, Novo-Spiroton,Spiractin, Aldactone, Aldactazide and Verospiron. This medication is also known to cause diuretic effects and at the same time spare potassium in the body, which may be very important in certain cases. Spironolactone can be used to treat different kidney, liver and heart problems. As the same substance is known to be aldosterone antagonist, it is also used in treatment of hepatic cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome or congestive heart failure.

What Can Spironolactone be Used for?

Used on its own, this drug is considered to have a mild diuretic effect. This is why it is usually combined with some other diuretic drugs for better efficacy. This way, the drug can be used to treat hypokalemia, a condition characterized by low levels of potassium (kalium) in the body. Spironolactone is also useful in treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension). It is noticed to prevent some further medical problems associated with hypertension, like heart attack, congestive heart failure or stroke.

Nephritic syndrome is a kidney disorder where the kidney does not function properly. It can be caused by different diseases and spironolactone as diuretic can treat this problem and ease passing urine and aid kidney function(s). For this purpose, spironolactone may be combined with some other drugs.Hyperaldosteronism is yet another possible indication for spironolactone. Excess production of aldosterone (hyperaldosteronism) usually leads to high blood pressure and spironolactone may treat this medical issue.

There are also several “off label” uses of spironolactone. This term is used for the treatment of some conditions different than these above mentioned. Doctors may prescribe spironolactone for breakouts of acne in women and also for retention of water and bloating during PMS (premenstrual syndrome) as well as for some types of hair loss.

Adverse Effect of Spironolactone

Since spironolactone is a diuretic, the most commonly observed problems are changes in urination pattern. Patients may also experience nausea, fever, loss of appetite, drowsiness, restlessness, shallow breathing, dark urine as well as some tingling and numbness of certain areas of the body. Jaundice may appear as a result of spironolactone use.

Some patients may suffer from irregular heartbeats, especially those who happen to fail taking the drug exactly as it was prescribed. If you do not take spironolactone in proper intervals of time, it can provoke heartbeat problems. The same side effect may also be caused by excessive production of aldosterone, if the drug is unable to control it.