We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are Aldosterone Antagonists?

By L. Whitaker
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 11,459
References
Share

Aldosterone antagonists belong to a category of drugs that helps treat heart disease and certain types of kidney disease by blocking the actions of aldosterone, a steroid-like hormone that can cause high blood pressure and other serious problems related to heart function. The human body produces aldosterone under normal conditions to retain water and salt, but individuals with heart failure can have excessive amounts of aldosterone that create problems with potassium levels, congestion, heart enlargement, and blood vessel scarring. Medications that are classified as aldosterone antagonists act by binding to aldosterone receptors in the blood vessels and heart to block the hormone. These drugs can sometimes be used in conjunction with other heart or kidney medications.

Treatment with aldosterone antagonists is usually for patients with severe or moderate systolic heart failure, seen as the reduced ability of the heart to pump normally. It is also used in some individuals who display heart failure symptoms following a coronary event. Often, aldosterone blockers can quickly reduce heart failure symptoms, including leg swelling and breathing difficulties, caused by excess buildup of body fluids. These medications are typically given together with another type of diuretic, or fluid-reducing, drug.

Patients with high blood pressure, diabetic nephropathy, or heart failure are sometimes treated with ACE inhibitors or angiotension-II receptor blockers, which suppress levels of aldosterone in the individual's bloodstream. These drugs can frequently lead to a condition known as aldosterone escape, in which levels of aldosterone gradually begin to return to pre-treatment status despite the use of medication. Aldosterone antagonists, which can be used concurrently with other aldosterone-blocking medications, are believed to decrease the occurrence of aldosterone escape.

Aldosterone antagonists can sometimes cause hormone changes in women, leading to symptoms such as lowered voice or excess growth of hair. A drug category known as selective aldosterone receptor antagonists, or SARAs, is believed to have fewer hormone-related side effects. One significant risk of treatment with any variety of aldosterone blocker drug is the development of hyperkalemia, a dangerously high level of potassium in the blood. This condition can lead to heart arrhythmia or other severe disruptions of heart function.

Individuals being treated with aldosterone antagonists are advised to avoid eating foods rich in potassium. These foods can include fruits or fruit juice, certain vegetables, wheat bran, and some kinds of meat. Patients using these medications should also avoid taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. COX-2 inhibitors are also contraindicated, as well as any medicine or supplement that has the potential to raise potassium levels.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-aldosterone-antagonists.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.