Spironolactone Flashcards

Study Notes

Spironolactone Overview

Therapeutic class primarily used for hypertension (HTN) and edema.
Falls under the pharmacologic class of Potassium-Sparing Diuretics.

Common Drugs in Class

Other potassium-sparing diuretics include Amiloride (Midamor), Eplerenone (Inspra), and Triamterene (Dyrenium).

Pregnancy Category

Classified as Pregnancy Category D, indicating positive evidence of risk to the fetus.

Clinical Uses

Effective for managing HTN, edema, and in conjunction with antihypertensives.
Treats hyperkalemia, congestive heart failure (CHF), and primary aldosteronism.

Mechanism of Action

Inhibits aldosterone to increase sodium and water excretion while retaining potassium at the late distal tubule.

Administration Route

Administered orally (PO).

Pharmacokinetics

Peak effect is observed within 2-3 days after administration.

Contraindications

Contraindicated in pregnancy, lactation, renal impairment, cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes mellitus (DM), hyperkalemia, hyperlipidemia, anuria, and metabolic acidosis.

Adverse Effects

May cause minor hyperkalemia (weakness, dyspnea, dysrhythmia), fatigue, headache, significant hyperkalemia, electrolyte depletion, dehydration, and possible metabolic acidosis.
Other notable adverse effects include hyperglycemia, coma, blood dyscrasias, impotence, menstrual cycle irregularities, and agranulocytosis.

Drug Interactions

Increased risk of acidosis when combined with ammonium chloride.
Risks for hyperkalemia increase with potassium supplements and ACE inhibitors/ARBs.
Additive hypotensive effects when used with other antihypertensives.
Potential reduced effectiveness of anticoagulants and antidiabetics.
Cholesyramine and colestipol may decrease absorption.
NSAIDs can lead to increased renal toxicity and reduced diuretic effects.
Corticosteroids and Amphotericin B may enhance potassium loss.
Increased risk of toxicity with digoxin and potential lithium toxicity.

Overdose Treatment

Treat overdose by infusing fluids to manage electrolyte depletion, dehydration, and hypotension.

Nursing Implications

Effects may take 12-48 hours to manifest, and it is advisable to administer with food to enhance absorption.
Avoid potassium supplements and high potassium foods.
Typically used in combination with other diuretics.
Monitor for signs of metabolic acidosis, hydration status, and electrolytes.
Early administration is recommended to prevent nocturia (before 1400).
Monitor weight loss and assess urine output.

Description

Test your knowledge of Spironolactone, its therapeutic and pharmacologic classes, other drugs in the same class, and important information such as pregnancy category and uses. These flashcards provide a quick and effective way to reinforce your understanding of this medication.

Spironolactone Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the therapeutic class of Spironolactone?

What is the pharmacologic class of Spironolactone?

Which of the following are other drugs in the same class as Spironolactone? (Select all that apply)

Spironolactone is classified as Pregnancy Category D.

What are some common uses for Spironolactone? (Select all that apply)

What is the primary action of Spironolactone?

What is the route of administration for Spironolactone?

What is the peak effect time for Spironolactone?

Which of the following are contraindications for using Spironolactone? (Select all that apply)

What are some possible adverse effects of Spironolactone?

Which of the following drug interactions with Spironolactone can increase the risk of hyperkalemia? (Select all that apply)

What is the treatment for a Spironolactone overdose?

Match the following nursing implications with their descriptions: