# Spironolactone (Spironolactone)

Source: https://ourhealthnetwork.com/drugs/spironolactone
Data: FDA Orange Book and OpenFDA, refreshed periodically

## What is Spironolactone?

Spironolactone is an aldosterone antagonist. It is prescribed to treat hypertension, ascites, hirsutism. Across the United States, 163,000 doctors prescribe Spironolactone to approximately 1.6 million Medicare patients.

## Brand names

Spironolactone

## Indications

Spironolactone is prescribed for several conditions including hypertension, ascites, hirsutism, among others.

## Conditions treated

- [Hypertension](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/hypertension)
- [Ascites](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/ascites)
- [Hirsutism](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/hirsutism)
- [Heart Failure](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/heart-failure)
- [Edema](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/edema)
- [Hypokalemia](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/hypokalemia)
- [Hyperaldosteronism](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/conditions/hyperaldosteronism)

## Mechanism of action

Spironolactone and its active metabolites are specific pharmacologic antagonists of aldosterone, acting primarily through competitive binding of 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.

## Drug classification

- Established Pharmacologic Class: Aldosterone Antagonist [EPC]
- Mechanism of Action class: Aldosterone Antagonists [MoA]
- Route of administration: ORAL

## Common side effects

alopecia

## Sources and disclaimers

- FDA Orange Book and OpenFDA dataset
- This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.

## Related

- [All drugs](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/drugs)
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- [Methodology](https://ourhealthnetwork.com/methodology)