Spironolactone

Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic. Spironolactone is a synthetic 17-spirolactone steroid that is competititive antagonist of aldosterone. Spironolactone is used as an antihypertensive agent. It frequently is used to treat ascites associated with cirrhosis and also has been used as a diagnostic aid for primary hyperaldosteronism. Spironolactone is a poor agent for treating hypertension or generalized edema, although its effects can be additive with thiazide diuretics. It was approved by the FDA in 1960.


Adult Dose
Dose: 50 to 100 mg
Single Dose: 75 (75)
Frequency: 24 hourly
Route: PO
Instructions:
Neonatal
Dose: 1 to 1.5 mg/kg
Single Dose: 1.2 (1.25)
Frequency: 12 hourly
Route: Oral
Instructions: -
Paedriatic
Dose: 1 to 1.5 mg/kg
Single Dose: 1.2 (1.25)
Frequency: 12 hourly
Route: Oral
Instructions: -
Characteristics
. It is of Synthetic origin and belongs to Steroid. It belongs to Aldosterone antagonist pharmacological group on the basis of mechanism of action and also classified in Diuretic Potassium Sparing pharmacological group.The Molecular Weight of Spironolactone is 416.10. Its pKa is not relevant.
Contraindications
Spironolactone is contraindicated in conditions like Renal failure,Hyperkalaemia.
Effects
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Spironolactone, which give rise to further complications include Impotence, Loss of libido, Gynacomastia, Menstrual irregularities.Spironolactone produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Agranulocytosis, Eosinophilia, Peptic ulceration, Hematemesis. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Spironolactone therapy.The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Spironolactone include Diarrhea, Drowsiness, Dizziness, Mental confusion.The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Spironolactone are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Headache, Drowsiness, Ataxia, Mental confusion.
Indications
'Spironolactone is primarily indicated in conditions like All forms of epilepsy, Congestive heart failure, Electrolyte disorder, For prophylaxis in pregnancy, Hirsutism, Hyperaldoesteronism, Hypertension, Myoclonus, Nephrotic syndrome, Oedema, Oedema and ascites in cirrhosis of the liver, Parkinson''s disease; drug-induced extrapyramidal symptoms, Primary hyperaldosteronism, Tobacco amblyopia and leber''s optic atrophy.'
Interactions
Spironolactone is known to interact with other drugs, the details of drug interactions is as follows:DrugDetailsSeverityOnsetManagementAlbuterolhypokalemia may be enhanced by co adminstration of diruretcs such as spironolactone Should not use concurrently without doctors prescription.Amiloride (HCl)CaptoprilSpironolactone may enhance the hyperkalemic effect of Captopril. ModerateThese agents are often, and appropriately so, used concomitantly in the treatment of severe CHF. It seems prudent to monitor for increased incidence of hyperkalemia if Spironolactone and Captopril are used concomitantly.Carbenoxolone (Na)DigitoxinDigoxinSpironolactone may inhibit the tubular secretion of Digoxin by about 25% and thus increase the plasma digoxin concentrations. ModerateThe change is generally not enough to warrant changes in digoxin dosages.Gonadorelin (HCl)ImidaprilMitotaneSome case reports have suggested that spironolactone may inhibit the adrenolytic effects of mitotane. ModerateThis combination should be avoided. If these drugs must be used together, the biochemical effects of mitotane should be closely monitored.MoexiprilConcurrent use may increase the blood pressure or heart rate.Potassium BicarbonateConcurrent use may cause high blood potassium levels and cause listlessness, confusion, abnormal skin sensations of the arms and legs, heaviness of limbs, slowed or irregular heartbeat, or stopping of the heart.Potassium CanrenoatePotassium CitrateSimultaneous administration of these agents can produce severe hyperkalemia.Concurrent use should be avoided.Potassium GlycerophosphateConcurrent use can increase potassium levels in the body.Rutin (Vitamin P)Rutin may have additive effects when used in combination with Spironolactone.Sodium SalicylateTacrolimusTenoxicamNSAIDs may cause sodium, potassium and fluid retention and may interfere with the natriuretic action of diuretic agents, which can increase the risk of nephrotoxicity of NSAIDs.TriamtereneWarfarin (Na)Spironolactone may diminish the anticoagulant effect of Warfarin. ModerateNo action required. These interactions are sometimes beneficial and sometimes may pose threats to life. Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.
Interfrence
Fluorometric Test for measuring Plsasma Cortisol & Corticosteroids Immunoassay for Serum Digoxin Levels Zimmerman reaction for 17-Ketosteroids and 17-Ketogenic Steroids Porter-Silber Reaction for Urinary 17-OH-Corticosteroids
Risks
Drug should not be given to Pregnant Mothers, patients suffering from Kidney dysfunction, Geriatrics, and Neonates.If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.
Storage
Tab Store in a well closed container, Below 40°C. Protect from Sunlight.
Warnings
Use spironolactone cautiously in kidney or liver problems. It should be used with caution during pregnancy or lactation. Before surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor about using spironolactone. It should be used with caution in patients with diabetes, liver or kidney disease, gout or menstrual irregularities. Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.
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