Aldosterone antagonists Flashcards
1
Q
What is aldosterone?
A
- hormone release by adrenal glands
2
Q
What is the role of aldosterone in the body?
A
- signals kidneys to retain Na+ and H2O and excrete K+
- ⬆️ Na+ and H2O = ⬆️ blood pressure
3
Q
What do aldosterone antagonists do to the body?
A
- ⬇️ Na+ and H2O re-absorption
- ⬇️ blood volume and BP
4
Q
What is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs that act as aldosterone antagonists that we need to know?
A
- Spironolactone
5
Q
What is the structure of the aldosterone antagonists, Spironolactone, similar to?
A
- estrogen
6
Q
What is the mechanism of action of Spironolactone?
A
- inhibits Na+ pump and ⬇️ Na+ reabsorption from lumen
- inhibits Na+ / K+ ATPase at basolateral membrane (blood)
- Na+ is not re-absorbed
7
Q
As spironolactone resembles oestrogen in structure, what is one of the most common side effects of spironolactone?
A
- Gynaecomastia (man boobs)
8
Q
In addition to Gynaecomastia, what are 2 other common side effects of Spironolactone?
A
- Impaired renal function
- Hyperkalaemia (K+)
