Spironolactone: Uses,Dosage,Side Effects

Generic Name
Spironolactone
Therapeutic Class:
 Cardiovascular (Potassium-sparing diuretics, Potassium-sparing diuretics & Aldosterone antagonists)

Indications:
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Hepatic cirrhosis with ascites and oedema
  • Nephrotic syndrome
  • Primary hyperaldosteronism
  • Essential hypertension
  • For the treatment of patients with hypokalemia
Presentation:
Spironolactone 25: Each tablet contains Spironolactone BP 25 mg.

Description:
Spironolactone is a preparation of long-acting aldosterone antagonist, potassium-sparing Spironolactone. Spironolactone is a specific pharmacologic antagonist of aldosterone, acting primarily through competitive binding of receptors at the aldosterone dependent sodium-potassium exchange site in the distal convoluted renal tubule. Spironolactone causes increased amounts of sodium and water to be excreted, while potassium and magnesium are retained.

Dosage & Administration:
Edema in adults (congestive heart failure, hepatic cirrhosis, or nephrotic syndrome): An initial daily dosage of 100 mg of Spironolactone administered in either single or divided doses is recommended, but may range from 25 to 200 mg daily. Combined therapy with other diuretics is indicated when more rapid diuresis is desired.
Primary hyperaldosteronism: After the diagnosis of hyperaldosteronism has been established, Spironolactone may be administered in doses of 100 to 400mg daily in preparation for surgery. For patients who are considered unsuitable for surgery, Spironolactone may be employed for long-term maintenance therapy at the lowest effective dosage determined for the individual patient.
Essential hypertension: For adults, an initial daily dosage of 50 to 100 mg of Spironolactone administered in either single or divided doses is recommended.
Hypokalemia: Spironolactone in a dosage ranging from 25 mg to 100 mg daily is useful in treating diuretic-induced hypokalemia.

Side Effects:
Gynecomastia may develop in association with the use of Spironolactone. Other adverse reactions are GI symptoms including cramping and diarrhoea, drowsiness, lethargy, headache, urticaria, mental confusion, impotence, irregular menses or amenorrhoea and post-menopausal bleeding.

Precautions:
All patients receiving diuretic therapy should be observed for evidence of fluid or electrolyte imbalance. Hyperkalemia may occur in patients with impaired renal function or excessive potassium intake and can cause cardiac irregularities, which may be fatal.

Use in Pregnancy & Lactation:
Pregnancy: Spironolactone should not be used during pregnancy.
Lactation: Canrenone, an active metabolite of Spironolactone, appears in breast milk. If the use of the drug is deemed essential an alternative method of infant feeding should be instituted.

Interaction:
ACE inhibitors: Concomitant administration of ACE inhibitors with potassium-sparing diuretics has been associated with severe hyperkalemia.
Alcohol, barbiturates, or narcotics: Potentiation of orthostatic hypotension may occur.
Corticosteroids, ACTH: Intensified electrolyte depletion, particularly hypokalemia, may occur.
Lithium: Lithium generally should not be given with diuretics. Diuretic agents reduce the renal clearance of lithium and add a high risk of lithium toxicity.
Digoxin: Spironolactone has been shown to increase the half-life of digoxin.

Overdose:
Symptoms of overdosage include drowsiness, mental confusion, dizziness, diarrhoea and vomiting etc. Patients should induce vomiting or evacuate the stomach by lavage during Spironolactone overdosage.

Storage:
Store in a cool and dry place protected from light. Keep out of reach of children.
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