Spironolactone is an aldosterone receptor antagonist used to treat edema, hypertension, heart failure, and aldosteronism. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed · 4 references
Aldosterone is a key hormone in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. By binding to the mineralocorticoid receptor at the distal tubules and collecting duct, it causes sodium reabsorption and potassium secretion, increases vascular stiffness and remodelling, and activates pro-inflammatory pathways.
Spironolactone and its active metabolites are aldosterone antagonists that produce a potassium-sparing diuretic effect. They competitively bind to 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 is retained. Spironolactone acts both as a diuretic and as an antihypertensive drug by this mechanism. It may be given alone or with other diuretic agents that act more proximally in the renal tubule.
- Primary indication
- Spironolactone is indicated for the treatment of the following conditions: NYHA Class III-IV heart failure and reduced ejection fraction to increase survival, manage edema, and reduce the need for hospitalization for heart failure.Curator reviewed · 17 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- C24H32O4S · 416.573 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 2003 · United States, 1960 · European Union, 2023
- Also known as
- Spironolattone
- Code names
- NSC-150399 · SC-9420
- Brand names
Resolves to
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Which drugs share a target with Spironolactone, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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