spironolactone drug Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/science/spironolactone Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/science/spironolactone Also known as: Aldactone A Written by Kara Rogers Kara Rogers is the senior editor of biomedical sciences at Encyclopædia Britannica, where she oversees a range of content from medicine and genetics to microorganisms. She joined Britannica in 2006 and... Kara Rogers Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Nov 1, 2024 • Article History Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot a Question Ask the Chatbot a Question { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type" : "Question", "name" : " What is spironolactone used for? ", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Spironolactone is a diuretic drug that is used to treat conditions related to edema, hypertension, and hormonal imbalances. Examples include cirrhosis, congestive heart failure, nephrotic syndrome (a sign of kidney malfunction), and primary hyperaldosteronism (Conn syndrome). It also is used to treat certain forms of acne, as well as hirsutism, and is used in transgender women as part of gender-affirming hormone therapy." } } , { "@type" : "Question", "name" : " How does spironolactone work? ", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Spironolactone works by blocking receptors for the hormone aldosterone, causing increased excretion of sodium and water. The actions of spironolactone also result in potassium conservation, which is important for maintaining cell function. Spironolactone also has antiandrogen effects, which can reduce levels of male hormones such as testosterone." } } , { "@type" : "Question", "name" : " What are the side effects of spironolactone? ", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Spironolactone has various side effects. Some examples include dizziness, gastrointestinal upset, gynecomastia (enlargement of breast tissue in males), headache, menstrual irregularities, and skin rashes. It can also cause hyperkalemia (elevated potassium levels), which can alter heart rhythm." } } ] } Top Questions What is spironolactone used for? Spironolactone is a diuretic drug that is used to treat conditions related to edema, hypertension, and hormonal imbalances. Examples include cirrhosis, congestive heart failure, nephrotic syndrome (a sign of kidney malfunction), and primary hyperaldosteronism (Conn syndrome). It also is used to treat certain forms of acne, as well as hirsutism, and is used in transgender women as part of gender-affirming hormone therapy.

　　How does spironolactone work? Spironolactone works by blocking receptors for the hormone aldosterone, causing increased excretion of sodium and water. The actions of spironolactone also result in potassium conservation, which is important for maintaining cell function. Spironolactone also has antiandrogen effects, which can reduce levels of male hormones such as testosterone.

　　What are the side effects of spironolactone? Spironolactone has various side effects. Some examples include dizziness, gastrointestinal upset, gynecomastia (enlargement of breast tissue in males), headache, menstrual irregularities, and skin rashes. It can also cause hyperkalemia (elevated potassium levels), which can alter heart rhythm.

　　spironolactone, diuretic drug that is used primarily to treat conditions related to edema (fluid retention), hypertension (high blood pressure), and hormone imbalances. The therapeutic effects of spironolactone were first described in the late 1950s. In 1960 the drug was approved for the treatment of hypertension. Spironolactone exerts its effects by binding to and blocking receptors for the hormone aldosterone, which is secreted by the adrenal glands and functions to regulate sodium and water retention and potassium excretion. Inhibition of aldosterone activity results in increased excretion of sodium and water, helping to reduce blood volume and blood pressure. At the same ...(100 of 675 words)

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