Respuesta :
Answer:
Therapeutic effect: Decrease blood pressure
Two adverse effects: Hyperkalemia and cardiac arrhythmia
Explanation:
Spironolactone (brand name Aldactone) is a potassium-sparing diuretic medication that decreases the patient's blood pressure by increasing the amount of sodium bicarbonate and calcium that are readily excreted by kidneys, the former of which recruits water, all to then be eliminated as urine. Increasing the loss of water decreases the blood volume, thereby decreasing the cardiac output and, thus, decreases the blood pressure. Patients often refer to this class of medication (diuretics) as water pills because of their affinity for increasing their urinary frequency.
Because spironolactone spares potassium from urinary losses, the patient is at an increased risk for having an excess supply of this electrolyte, a condition known as hyperkalemia, occurring when potassium levels reach greater than 5 mEq per liter (5mEq/L) of blood. One clinical manifestation of hyperkalemia is that is can lead to cardiac arrhythmias in which the patient's heartbeat exhibits abnormal rhythms. Specific to hyperkalemia, the patient's heart will be sent signals informing its ventricles to beat during a phase when they are supposed to be at rest; an electrocardiogram (ECG) will show peaked T waves if this is occurring. In some cases, the patient may experience a myocardial infarction (heart attack) due to hyperkalemia.
In short, spironolactone is a prescribed to lower blood pressure, however, potential adverse effects to be aware of are hyperkalemia and its accompanying cardiac arrhythmia.
Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic used to treat hypertension and heart failure by blocking aldosterone to reduce sodium and water reabsorption. Potential adverse effects include hyperkalemia and gynecomastia.
Spironolactone is a medication primarily used to treat conditions like hypertension, heart failure, and certain cases of edema. It is a potassium-sparing diuretic, which means it helps to prevent excessive potassium loss in the urine. Spironolactone works by blocking the action of aldosterone, a hormone that increases the reabsorption of sodium and water while excreting potassium. By inhibiting aldosterone, spironolactone reduces reabsorption of sodium and water, thus decreasing blood volume and blood pressure.
Potential adverse effects of spironolactone include hyperkalemia (high blood potassium levels), which can lead to abnormal heart rhythms, and gynecomastia (breast enlargement in men). Women may experience menstrual irregularities or breast tenderness. In some cases, this medication can also cause dizziness, headache, or gastrointestinal issues.
