The reports submitted to the food and drug administration board relating to medication errors are overwhelming. 50% of the population is reported to be taking the wrong drug. 41% of this population is not aware of the conditions or diseases the drug is meant for. You could be among these statistics. Spironolactone is classified as a potassium-sparing diuretic, which has various uses. Read on to know more about the uses of spironolactone.

 

 

What is the medication spironolactone used for? 

  1. Treating primary hyperaldosteronism 

    The main use of spironolactone is in treatment of primary hyperaldosteronism. It is a condition in which the body produces the hormone aldosterone in high quantities. Aldosterone is responsible for regulation of water and sodium level. The drug will balance sodium and water level in the body.

  2. Edema

    Spironolactone is also used in treatment of edema, which could be arising from a number of conditions. The common conditions, which lead to edema, include liver cirrhosis, kidney disease and congestive heart failure.

  3. Potassium deficiency

    Being a potassium-sparing diuretic, spironolactone is used in treatment of potassium deficiency. The element is important in normal heart function.

  4. Acne

    Studies have shown that the drug is useful in treatment of acne. The dose should be between 50 and 200mg per day in order to get great result.

  5. Hirsutism

    Hirsutism is a condition which results to excessive growth of hair on the body and the face. Even though the condition can be resolved using oral contraceptives only, sometimes they do not deliver good results. When spironolactone is used in combination with oral contraceptives, recovery will be fast.

  6. Hair loss

    Hair loss can occur in a pattern at times especially in women. In a study published in British Journal of Dermatology  in 2005, 44% of the sample population who were treated using spironolactone experienced regrowth of the lost hair. However, the drug has to be taken on a daily basis to get great results.

In relieving edema and lowering blood pressure, spironolactone competes with aldosterone to bind to the receptor sites located in kidneys. The result is increased excretion of water and sodium. Potassium is reserved in the process. In treatment of hair loss, excessive growth of hair and acne, it blocks androgen receptors. Additionally, it inhibits the synthesis of androgen though weakly. Androgen is a male hormonem, which is difficult to control in many women because there are no pills, which have been designed to deal, regulate it.

You should not self-prescribe this medication because it has fatal adverse effects. You need to see a qualified physician for diagnosis and prescription.