Anthropometric Measurements as Predictors of Low Birth Weight Among Tanzanian Neonates: A Hospital-Based Study
November 7, 2025
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Brand Name :
CaroSpir, Aldactone
Synonyms :
spironolactone
Class :
Potassium-sparing diuretics, Aldosterone receptor antagonists
Brand Name :
CaroSpir, Aldactone
Synonyms :
spironolactone
Class :
Potassium-sparing diuretics, Aldosterone receptor antagonists
Adult
Dosage forms & Strengths
Tablet
100mg
50mg
25mg
Oral suspension
5mg/mL
Indicated for Edema:
The recommended oral dosage for this medication ranges from 25 to 200 mg every day, either as a single dose or multiple doses
Initial dose should be continued for at least five days, after that adjust to maintenance dose
NOTE:
Additional diuretic treatment may be necessary if adequate diuresis is not achieved within five days, and the dosage of the initial drug should remain unchanged in this case
Hypertension:
To begin treatment, the recommended initial oral dose is 50 to 100 mg every day, either as a single dose or multiple doses
Treatment should continue for at least 2 weeks to achieve the maximum response, after which the dose may be adjusted based on the patient's response
Congestive Heart Failure:
25 mg every day ,assuming serum potassium levels are ≤5 mEq/L and serum creatinine levels are nearly equal to 2.5 mg/dL
Patients who tolerate the initial dose may increase their dose to 50 mg orally every day or decrease to 25 mg orally every other day
Hyperaldosteronism:
For the purpose of diagnosing primary hyperaldosteronism:
Long test-400 mg orally every day for 3 to 4 weeks
Short test-400 mg orally every day for 4 days
Maintenance dose-100-400mg orally every day till surgery
Indicated for Edema as off label
1-3.3 mg/kg every day orally or in divided two times a day
It should not exceed 3.3 mg/kg in a day or 100 mg in a day
Hypertension as off-label
1-3.3 mg/kg every day orally or in divided two times a day
It should not exceed 3.3 mg/kg in a day or 100 mg in a day
Refer to adult dosingÂ
may have a decreased diagnostic effect when combined with cosyntropin
may increase the hyperkalemic effect of potassium salts
may enhance the potassium levels in the blood when combined with sparsentan.
the serum levels of potassium may be increased
may enhance the hyperkalemic effect of ACE Inhibitors
may enhance the hyperkalemic effect of ACE Inhibitors
may enhance the hyperkalemic effect of ACE Inhibitors
may enhance the hyperkalemic effect of ACE Inhibitors
may enhance the hyperkalemic effect of ACE Inhibitors
may decrease the vasoconstricting effect when combined with alpha-/beta-agonists
It may decrease the vasoconstricting effect when combined with Alpha-/Beta-Agonists
It may decrease the vasoconstricting effect when combined with Alpha-/Beta-Agonists
It may decrease the vasoconstricting effect when combined with Alpha-/Beta-Agonists
It may decrease the vasoconstricting effect when combined with Alpha-/Beta-Agonists
It may decrease the vasoconstricting effect when combined with Alpha-/Beta-Agonists
It may enhance toxicity when combined with cholic acid by diminishing the elimination
may have an increased hyperkalemic effect when combined with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors
may have an increased hyperkalemic effect when combined with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors
may have an increased hyperkalemic effect when combined with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors
may have an increased hyperkalemic effect when combined with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors
may have an increased hyperkalemic effect when combined with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors
it enhances the serum potassium levels
may increase the hyperkalemic effect of diuretics
may increase the hyperkalemic effect of angiotensin receptor II blockers
may increase the toxic effect of angiotensin receptor II blockers
they may have an increasingly adverse effect when combined with spironolactone
trimethoprim: they may increase the hyperkalemic effect of spironolactone
It may enhance the risk of adverse reactions when combined with Potassium
administration of amiloride with spironolactone may increase the levels of potassium
Increase in the activity may be noticed when these two drugs are co-administered due to pharmacodynamic synergism
may have an increased hyperkalemic effect when combined with potassium-sparing diuretics
may have an increased hyperkalemic effect when combined with potassium-sparing diuretics
may have an increased hyperkalemic effect when combined with potassium-sparing diuretics
Actions and Spectrum:Â
The action of spironolactone is primarily to increase the excretion of salt and water by kidneys, while reducing the loss of potassium. This results in a decrease in fluid build-up in the body, which is beneficial in conditions such as congestive heart failure, liver cirrhosis, and nephrotic syndrome. spironolactone can also be used to treat high blood pressure, as it reduces the constriction of blood vessels, thereby decreasing blood pressure.Â
Apart from its diuretic effects, spironolactone also has anti-androgenic properties, meaning it can block the effects of male sex hormones (androgens) in the body. This makes it useful in the treatment of conditions such as hirsutism (excessive hair growth) and acne in women, as well as in transgender hormone therapy to help suppress testosterone levels.Â
Overall, spironolactone’s action is to increase the excretion of salt and water by the kidneys, while reducing the loss of potassium, and it also has anti-androgenic properties.Â
Frequency not defined
• Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
• Abdominal cramping
• Gynecomastia
• Headache
• Drowsiness
• Rash
• Nausea/vomiting
• Lethargy
• Gastritis
• Urticaria
• Menstrual disorders
• Toxic epidermal necrolysis
• Diarrhea
• Impotence
Spironolactone has a black box warning for cancers in chronic toxicity investigations in rats. This suggest that the prolonged use of high dosage of spironolactone is linked with the development of tumors in rats. There is no proof that it causes umors in human.
Contraindication
Hyperkalemia: Spironolactone can lead to increased levels of potassium. It can lead to hyperkalemia. It is a life-threatening disease and cause irregular heart rhythm. It must not be used in patients who have hyperkalemia or taking the medication which can lead to hyperkalemia.
Severe kidney disease: Kidney metabolizes and excretes spironolactone. Patients who have severe kidney disease may not be able to excrete it. It can lead to accumulation of spironolactone.
 Addison’s disease: Spironolactone can interfere in diagnosis and treatment of Addison’s disease. It is a disease in which adrenal gland does not make proper hormones. It can lead to false negative results in tests for adrenal impairment. It interferes with the effectiveness of replacement treatment.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Spironolactone must not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding because it can harm to fetus or infant.
Allergic reaction: Spironolactone can cause allergic reaction in some patient. Symptoms like rash, hives, swelling, itching, difficulty in breathing, and anaphylaxis are included.
 Caution
Liver disease: Liver metabolizes spironolactone. Patients who have liver disease may not be able to excrete it from the body. It can lead to accumulation. Patients who have liver disease must be monitored closely.
Electrolyte imbalances: Spironolactone can change the levels of electrolytes in the body like sodium, potassium, and magnesium. Patients who have electrolyte imbalances or taking any other medications which can cause imbalance in electrolyte must be monitored closely.
Heart disease: Spironolactone can change the electrical activity of heart specifically in patient who have heart disease. They must be minored closely.
Diabetes: Spironolactone can change the blood sugar levels specifically inpatient who have diabetes. They must be monitored closely.
Surgery: Spironolactone can interfere with effectiveness of anesthesia. Patients who have any surgery must inform to their healthcare provider that they are taking this medication.
Elderly patients: Elder patients may sensitive to the effects of spironolactone specifically in imbalances in electrolyte and changes in the blood pressure.
Pharmacology:
Spironolactone is an aldosterone antagonist drug. It blocks the actions of aldosterone which can make by adrenal glands and regulates the potassium and sodium balance in the body.
It has an anti-androgenic property. It blocks he effects of male hormones in the body. It is used to treat diseases like hormonal acne and hirsutism in women.
Pharmacodynamics:
Mechanism of Action: Spironolactone has a diuretic and antihypertensive effects. It binds to receptors at the aldosterone dependent Na-K exchange site in the distal tubules. It can lead to increases excretion of Na+, Cl- and H20 and retention of K+ and H+.
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption
Spironolactone is absorbed good when taken orally. It goes to the plasma levels in 2 to 3 hours. Food does not affect the absorption.
Distribution
Spironolactone is protein-bound (more than 90%). It circulates in the body like liver, kidney, and heart. It can cross the blood brain barrier and placenta.
Metabolism
Liver metabolizes spironolactone into active metabolite canrenone. It has a long half-life than spironolactone. They excreted in the urine.
Elimination and Excretion
Spironolactone has a half-life of 1.4 hours. Canrenone has a half life of 16.5 hours. Most of the drug is excreted in the urine and small amount is excreted in the feces.
Pharmacology:Â
spironolactone is classified as an aldosterone antagonist medication that operates by obstructing the actions of aldosterone, a hormone make by the adrenal glands that governs sodium and potassium balance in the body.Â
In addition to its effects on aldosterone, spironolactone also has anti-androgenic properties, meaning it can block the effects of male hormones (androgens) in the body. This makes it useful for treating conditions such as hormonal acne and hirsutism (excessive hair growth) in women.Â
Pharmacodynamics:Â
Mechanism of Action:Â
spironolactone is an aldosterone antagonist that has diuretic and antihypertensive effects. It competitively binds to receptors at the aldosterone-dependent Na-K exchange site in distal tubules, leading to an increase in the excretion of Na+, Cl-, and H2O and retention of K+ and H+.Â
Pharmacokinetics:Â
AbsorptionÂ
spironolactone is well-absorbed after oral administration and reaches peak plasma levels within 2-3 hours. Food does not significantly affect its absorption.Â
DistributionÂ
spironolactone is highly protein-bound (more than 90%) and distributes throughout the body, including the liver, kidneys, and heart. It can also cross the blood-brain barrier and the placenta.Â
MetabolismÂ
spironolactone is metabolized in the liver to its active metabolite, canrenone. Canrenone has a longer half-life than spironolactone and is responsible for most of the drug’s activity. spironolactone and canrenone are primarily excreted in the urine.Â
Elimination and ExcretionÂ
spironolactone has a half-life of about 1.4 hours, while the half-life of canrenone is about 16.5 hours. The majority of the drug and its metabolites are eliminated in the urine, with a smaller amount excreted in the feces.Â
Administration:
Orally and consistency is necessary as it is taken with or without food.
Missed Dose
It is suggested to take the dosage, if it is missed. If scheduled dose is missed, it must be skipped, and next dosage is taken at proper time. It is necessary to avoid taking 2 dosages at same time to compensate the dosage.
Patient information leaflet
Generic Name: spironolactone
Pronounced: [ spir-ON-oh-LAK-tone ]
Why do we use spironolactone?
Spironolactone is prescribed to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. By reducing the high blood pressure. It helps to prevent strokes, heart attack, and kidney disease. It is used to reduce swelling which is caused by diseases like liver disease and heart failure, to withdraw the excessive fluid and improve symptoms like problems in breathing.
It is used to treat conditions in which the body produces an excess amount of aldosterone. It is categorized as a water pill or potassium sparing diuretic.
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