Potassium canrenoate

Potassium canrenoate is a steroid antimineralocorticoid with direct diuretic effect. It is a potassium-sparing diuretic and an aldosterone antagonist. It is used in the treatment of hypertension and edema, including that associated with congestive heart failure or cirrhosis. It is marketed under the trade name Aldactone among others.

Pharmacology

Potassium canrenoate is a prodrug of canrenoic acid, which is the active form of the drug. It works by blocking the effects of the hormone aldosterone in the body. Aldosterone is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that affects the balance of water and electrolytes in the body, specifically the sodium and potassium balance. By blocking the effects of aldosterone, potassium canrenoate causes the kidneys to excrete more sodium and water, while conserving potassium.

Medical uses

Potassium canrenoate is used in the treatment of various conditions where there is too much aldosterone in the body. These conditions include primary aldosteronism, a condition where the adrenal glands produce too much aldosterone, and secondary aldosteronism, which can occur as a result of conditions such as heart failure or liver cirrhosis.

In addition to these uses, potassium canrenoate is also used in the treatment of hypertension, or high blood pressure. By causing the kidneys to excrete more sodium and water, potassium canrenoate can help to lower blood pressure.

Side effects

Like all medications, potassium canrenoate can cause side effects. The most common side effects include hyperkalemia, or high potassium levels in the blood, and gynecomastia, or enlargement of the breast tissue in men. Less common side effects can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

See also

• Spironolactone
• Eplerenone
• Canrenone