What Is Spironolactone Used For?
Spironolactone is used for treating high blood pressure, heart failure, primary hyperaldosteronism, water retention, and low potassium levels in the blood. It is a type of diuretic that works by increasing the amount of salt and water that the kidneys remove from the blood. Healthcare providers may also occasionally recommend off-label spironolactone uses, such as for the treatment of acne in women, bronchopulmonary dysplasia,and hirsutism.
Spironolactone is used for treating high blood pressure, heart failure, primary hyperaldosteronism, water retention, and low potassium levels in the blood. It is a type of diuretic that works by increasing the amount of salt and water that the kidneys remove from the blood. Healthcare providers may also occasionally recommend off-label spironolactone uses, such as for the treatment of acne in women, bronchopulmonary dysplasia,and hirsutism.
As a potassium-sparing diuretic, spironolactone helps the kidneys better process liquid waste without lowering potassium levels, which then reduces the amount of water your body retains. Hypokalemia is defined as low levels of potassium in the body. Potassium levels are usually affected by diet, some diuretics, diarrhea, laxatives or kidney failure. Hypokalemia may cause weakness, muscle cramps, constipation or an abnormal heart rate. Spironolactone has been known to help prevent hypokalemia by increasing the efficiency of the kidneys and blocking the function of a hormone called aldosterone, both of which can help balance sodium and potassium levels with the amount of fluid in your body. Spironolactone is typically used when other medications or procedures that increase the body's potassium levels are unavailable. Ask your doctor if spironolactone is the right treatment for your hypokalemia.