Spironolactone is a potassium sparing diuretic and aldosterone antagonist used in the treatment of several cardiovascular and fluid retention conditions. Unlike many traditional diuretics that can increase potassium loss, spironolactone promotes sodium and water excretion while helping the body retain potassium.
Spironolactone works by competitively blocking aldosterone receptors in the distal regions of the kidney. Aldosterone normally promotes sodium and water retention while increasing potassium excretion. By opposing aldosterone activity, spironolactone increases the excretion of sodium and water while reducing potassium loss, producing both diuretic and antihypertensive effects.
Medically, spironolactone is used for conditions including hypertension, heart failure, edema and primary hyperaldosteronism. In patients with certain forms of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, spironolactone can help manage fluid retention and has been shown to reduce hospitalization and improve survival when used as part of appropriate medical therapy.
Spironolactone also has anti androgenic activity, which has led to widespread off label use in dermatology for conditions influenced by androgen hormones. In women, it may be prescribed for hormonal acne, oily skin, hirsutism and other symptoms associated with excessive androgen activity. These dermatological uses are off label and should be assessed by an appropriate healthcare professional.
This product provides:
- Active Ingredient: Spironolactone
- Strength: 25mg per tablet
- Quantity: 100 Tablets
- Drug Class: Potassium Sparing Diuretic / Aldosterone Antagonist
- Dosage Form: Oral Tablet
- Common Uses: Hypertension, Fluid Retention, Heart Failure and Hyperaldosteronism
Health Canada’s Drug Product Database lists multiple spironolactone 25mg products as marketed prescription medications in Canada.
An important safety consideration with spironolactone is hyperkalemia, or excessively high potassium levels. The risk is greater in people with impaired kidney function or those taking potassium supplements, potassium containing salt substitutes, ACE inhibitors, ARBs or other medications that increase potassium. Blood potassium and kidney function may therefore require monitoring during treatment.
Other potential effects include low blood pressure, dehydration, low sodium and changes in other electrolytes. Spironolactone can also cause breast tenderness or enlargement, menstrual irregularities and other hormone related effects because of its activity at steroid hormone receptors.
Spironolactone is contraindicated in patients with hyperkalemia, Addison’s disease or concurrent use of eplerenone. Treatment should be individualized by a qualified healthcare professional based on blood pressure, kidney function, potassium levels, fluid balance and the underlying condition being treated.
