"Spironolactone": analogues, instructions, application, description of the preparation

"Spironolactone" is a potassium and magnesium-saving diuretic. The drug is a powerful diuretic that avoids the washing out of the body of vital salts. It also lowers the acidity of urine. This should be paid attention, trying to replace the "Spironolactone" in treatment. Analogues of medicines do not always have such properties.

Composition and form of release

This drug is available in tablet form. The active ingredient is spironolactone. One pill contains 25 or 100 mg of this substance. It also includes auxiliary components: potato starch, monohydrate, lactose, povidone, calcium stearate. Round tablets are packed in a cardboard pack of 20 pieces.

pharmachologic effect

The drug "Spironolactone" is an antagonist of aldosterone. It is a hormone of the adrenal cortex. Aldosterone, combining with the protein receptors of the cells of the distal nephron, helps reduce the excretion of sodium and water from the body, but increases the elution of potassium. "Spironolactone" competes with this hormone and acts directly opposite. The drug promotes the excretion of water and sodium from the body, while retaining potassium ions. Electrolyte balance is not violated.

At present, the pharmacodynamics of the drug is well studied. When entering the gastrointestinal tract, it is quickly absorbed, binding to plasma proteins. Bioavailability of tablets is approximately 99%. One-time administration with food accelerates the absorption of the active active substance of the drug.

The therapeutic effect, according to the instructions, comes in 5 days. To activate the action of the drug requires its gradual accumulation in the body to a certain concentration. Otherwise, in medical practice this is called a cumulative effect. The active substance quickly penetrates into breast milk, and is excreted from the body together with feces and urine. At what diseases do doctors prescribe "Spironolactone"?

Indications for use

In the instructions to "Spironolactone" it is reported that the drug is intended for the treatment of the following diseases and pathologies:

• Edema syndrome, arising on the background of heart failure.
• Hyperaldosteronism.
• Essential hypertension.
• Secondary hyperaldosteronism caused by cirrhosis of the liver.

Treatment of a disease should be started after consultation with a doctor.

Contraindications

In what cases is the use of the drug "Spironolactone" not recommended? Indications for use, presented above, are not a reason for self-treatment. This drug has a number of contraindications and side effects.

The instructions to the medicine say that its use for therapeutic purposes is not recommended for people with Addison's disease, hypercalcemia, diabetes mellitus. With special care, the drug should be used in women with menstrual irregularities, enlarged mammary glands.

Instructions for use

This medication is for oral use. Its dosage is determined by the physician individually, based on the severity of the disturbance of the water-electrolyte balance and the hormonal background of the patient.

With edema caused by neurotic syndrome, therapy is started with 100-200 mg of the drug per day. Dosage should be divided into two or three doses. The duration of treatment is approximately three weeks. In the case of hyperaldosteronism and low potassium in the blood, the drug "Spironolactone-Darnitsa" is prescribed at a dosage of 300 mg per day.

With edematic syndrome associated with heart failure of a chronic nature, the course of treatment is 5 days. Tablets are given in a dosage of 100-200 mg. In addition, patients are usually prescribed thiazide and loop diuretics. With a positive recovery, the dosage is gradually reduced to 25 mg per day.

Side effects

What are the side effects of Spironolactone? Analogs of this drug are characterized by poor tolerance. "Spironolactone", unlike them, is characterized by rapid assimilation and good therapeutic effect. Occasionally, side effects are diagnosed, which are described in the detailed form below.

1. Metabolism: a change in the acid-base balance, hyperuricemia.
2. CNS: increased drowsiness, headaches, retardation.
3. The circulatory system: megaloblastosis, thrombocytopenia.
4. GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT: soreness in the abdomen, ulcers, intestinal colic, diarrhea.
5. Endocrine system: erectile dysfunction, breast carcinoma, coarsening of the voice.
6. Allergic reactions: itching, urticaria, rash.

If you experience any of the symptoms described above, you should consult your doctor. As a rule, the specialist decides to replace "Spironolactone". Analogs of this drug also have side effects, but they are less pronounced.

special instructions

During treatment with "Spironolactone":

• It is recommended to avoid eating foods rich in potassium.
• Under the strictest ban are all alcoholic beverages.
• It should be refrained from the simultaneous use of medicines, in which potassium is present.

If non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are additionally prescribed for treatment, it is necessary to monitor kidney function and electrolyte performance in the blood.

At the initial stage of therapy it is recommended to refrain from driving cars and working with serious mechanisms that require high speed of psychomotor reactions and increased attention. The duration of this restriction is set individually, based on the tolerability of the preparation "Spironolactone".

Medication price and storage conditions

The cost of the drug varies from its dosage. For one packing of tablets it is necessary to give from 30 to 50 rubles. The final cost also depends on the markup, which is set by many pharmacy chains.

According to the instructions, it is recommended to store the drug at a temperature not exceeding 20 degrees, in a place inaccessible to children's hands. Shelf life is 3 years.

Medication analogues

What drugs can replace "Spironolactone"? Analogues of this drug in most cases have a similar composition and concentration of the main component. These include the following drugs: "Veroshpilakton", "Aldakton", "Veroshpiron." The latter is most often used instead of the drug considered in this article.

Among the known generics, the following medicines can be noted: Dekriz, Inspra, Espiro, Epletor. By the mechanism of action they are all similar to "Spironolactone". Indications for use and biological digestibility do not differ. These diuretics are very effective in order to normalize blood pressure, removing excess fluid from the body. However, generics practically do not protect against the washing out of potassium and magnesium salts, so many doctors prefer to use the original drug.

Let's sum up the results

Now you know what pathologies and disorders are prescribed for "Spironolactone". The price of the drug and its ubiquitous availability are the two main criteria by which many patients prefer this particular medicine. Numerous positive reviews also prove the high effectiveness of "Spironolactone".