anyone know or have some information on Spironolactone? been reading up on it but not getting all of the information i think? let me know thanks
Well, the Wikipedia page appears to be quite complete when it comes to properly describing a drug (especially one that's been around longer than I have!). It is essentially an anti-androgen agent which is most often used as a diuretic or as a feminizing agent. The side effects section on this page is also consistent with what little I know of the product
A relative takes it. It is to reduce edema - swelling - apparently linked to cardiac origin. However, all of the cardiac medication she takes is prophylactic, to keep blood pressure in check. It doesn't necessarily mean there's any cardiac malfunction. There have been no such events for her. She has not complained of side effects.
There's a recent thread discussing Aldactone (spironolactone): http://emptyclosets.com/forum/anonymous-discussions/56166-second-thoughts-hormones-how-reverse.html One correction. Spironolactone is a diuretic. The other uses are off-label. It was frequently prescribed back in the 1970s because it does not deplete potassium like other diuretics. Unfortunately, about 30% of the younger males who were prescribed the drug developed side effects like gynecomastia. After further testing, it was discovered that in some men it interfered with androgen production. Several websites are promoting the drug as an "anti-androgen" medication when this is actually a side effect that only affects some males. It is considered to have a weak anti-androgenic effect. And because it is a diuretic, there are untoward side effects. It also has a black box warning that the drug has been shown to induce tumors in recent animal studies.
hmmm, sounds like one of those "grandfathered" medications that most likely would have a much more difficult time getting FDA approval today...
The latest black box warning ends with "Unnecessary use of this drug should be avoided." which usually indicates that the FDA acknowledges that there can be some beneficial use but that there are such severe side effects that the drug should only be used with caution.