What they do
Aldosterone receptor antagonists block the effects of a hormones produced naturally by your adrenal glands which can cause your heart failure to get worse. Aldosterone receptor antagonists affect the balance of water and salts going into your urine and are weak diuretics. They help lower blood pressure, reduce congestion and thus protect the heart.
Aldosterone receptor antagonists have been shown to be particularly effective in advanced heart failure and are often taken together with other heart failure drugs.
Side effects
Aldosterone receptor antagonists can sometimes affect kidney function and can also increase potassium levels. This is especially important for patients who also use ACE inhibitors or ARBs. Your doctor will monitor your kidney function and potassium levels through regular blood tests.
Rarely, aldosterone receptor antagonists can cause breast enlargement or tenderness, especially in men. The newer drugs do not have this effect.
Also known as:
- Spironolactone
(Aldactone®, Novo-Spiroton®, Spiractin®, Spirotone®, or Berlactone®)
- Eplerenone
(Inspra®)
- Combination products
(Aldactide®, Lasilactone®)
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