Aldactone - Spironolactone

What is it?

Composition

The composition of Aldactone includes the active substance - spironolactone, which is an aldosterone antagonist. This is the main active substance that determines the therapeutic effect of the drug. Spironolactone affects mineralocorticoid receptors, which leads to a decrease in sodium and water retention in the body and a decrease in blood pressure.

Auxiliary components of Aldactone may include various ingredients that provide the form and stability of the drug. Typically, these are substances such as:

• Lactose - used to increase the weight of the tablet and improve absorption.
• Magnesium stearate - serves to prevent the components from sticking together and facilitate the production process.
• Corn starch - acts as a binder and helps the tablet dissolve in the stomach.
• Talc - used as a lubricant to facilitate swallowing.

How to use?

The use of Aldactone should strictly comply with the doctors instructions, since the dosage and frequency of administration depend on the specific condition of the patient and the bodys response to therapy. In most cases, the drug is taken orally, preferably during or immediately after meals to minimize possible gastrointestinal irritation.

Recommendations for administration may vary depending on the disease, but the general order of use of the drug is as follows:

1. When treating edema, the dosage is usually 25 to 200 mg per day, depending on the severity of the condition and the bodys response.
2. To control hypertension, the initial dose is 50-100 mg per day, divided into several doses, if necessary, the dose can be adjusted.
3. When treating hyperaldosteronism, the dosage can be significantly higher, and it is determined individually by the doctor, depending on the level of hormones and symptoms.

How does it work?

Aldactone acts as an antagonist of aldosterone, a hormone that regulates the balance of water and electrolytes in the body. Aldosterone promotes sodium and water retention, which leads to increased blood pressure and edema. Aldactone, by blocking the receptors of this hormone, reduces the absorption of sodium in the kidneys and simultaneously promotes the excretion of water, which helps reduce the volume of circulating blood and lower blood pressure.

This mechanism of action also prevents the loss of potassium, which distinguishes Aldactone from other diuretics, which often lead to a significant decrease in potassium levels in the blood. Due to this property, the drug is used in the treatment of diseases where it is necessary to control potassium levels, for example, in chronic heart failure or cirrhosis of the liver.

The effectiveness of Aldactone is also associated with its antiandrogenic properties, due to which the drug reduces the effect of androgens - male hormones. This property is useful for the treatment of conditions such as acne or hirsutism in women, where excess androgens play a key role.

Indications

Aldactone is indicated for the treatment of various conditions associated with fluid retention and hormonal imbalance. Its primary action is to reduce swelling and normalize blood pressure, as well as to manage conditions associated with excess aldosterone.

The main indications for Aldactone include:

• Congestive heart failure - to reduce symptoms of congestion and reduce the risk of worsening the condition.
• Hypertension - used in combination with other antihypertensive agents to control blood pressure.
• Cirrhosis of the liver with ascites - helps reduce the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen.
• Nephrotic syndrome - to reduce edema and improve kidney function.
• Primary hyperaldosteronism - used to diagnose and treat conditions associated with excess aldosterone production.
• Hormonal disorders in women, such as polycystic ovary syndrome and acne, caused by excess androgens.

Contraindications

Despite the widespread use of Aldactone, there are conditions and diseases in which the use of this drug is not recommended. Contraindications are related to its mechanism of action and the risk of possible complications, especially those related to the balance of electrolytes in the body.

The main contraindications for the use of Aldactone include:

• Hyperkalemia - increased levels of potassium in the blood, as the drug promotes the retention of potassium in the body.
• Acute renal failure - with impaired renal function, the risk of accumulation of potassium and other electrolytes increases.
• Severe liver dysfunction - the risk of worsening the condition and the occurrence of side effects.
• Addisons disease - a disease of the adrenal glands, in which there is already aldosterone deficiency.
• Allergy or hypersensitivity to spironolactone or other components of the drug.
• Pregnancy and lactation - the drug may have an adverse effect on the fetus or child if used without the supervision of a doctor.

Side effects

Although Aldactone is considered effective and is often used in the treatment of various diseases, it, like any other drug, can cause side effects. These effects can vary in severity and depend on the individual characteristics of the patients body, dosage and duration of treatment.

The most common side effects of Aldactone include:

• Hyperkalemia - increased levels of potassium in the blood, which can lead to muscle cramps, weakness, and abnormal heart rhythms.
• Gastrointestinal disturbances - such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, especially when starting to take the drug.
• Hormonal changes - some patients may experience changes in hormone levels, which can lead to breast enlargement in men (gynecomastia) or menstrual irregularities in women.
• Headaches and dizziness - may occur in the first days of treatment, especially when changing body position.
• Rash or skin allergic reactions - may occur in people with hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.