A number of conditions can be treated with Aldactone. Uses of the medication include the treatment of water retention, high blood pressure, primary hyperaldosteronism, heart failure, and low potassium levels. Off-label uses may include the treatment of hirsutism, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
What Is Aldactone Used For?Aldactone® (spironolactone) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat a couple of conditions. These specific Aldactone uses include:
- Diagnosing and treating primary hyperaldosteronism (overproduction of the hormone aldosterone)
- Controlling high blood pressure (hypertension)
- Decreasing the risk of hospitalization or death in people with severe heart failure
- Treating water retention (edema) caused by the following conditions:
- Treating low levels of potassium in the blood (hypokalemia).
Aldosterone is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It plays a role in maintaining fluid levels in the body. Too much aldosterone can cause various health problems, such as high blood pressure (hypertension) or low potassium levels in the blood (hypokalemia).
Hyperaldosteronism is the medical term for producing too much aldosterone. It can be caused by various conditions (such as cirrhosis or kidney disease) or may happen for no apparent reason. Primary hyperaldosteronism (as opposed to secondary hyperaldosteronism) is not caused by any other condition outside the adrenal glands and includes hyperaldosteronism due to adrenal tumors.
Aldactone can be used to diagnose and treat primary hyperaldosteronism. It can be used short-term, while waiting for other treatment (such as surgery), or long-term (for those who cannot or will not have surgery).