PHARMACOLOGY STUDY GUIDE
PHARMACOLOGIC CLASS: Potassium-Sparing
ROUTE: Oral route
ACTION
o Spironolactone blocks the sodium
retaining and potassium excreting
and magnesium excreting
properties of aldosterone, resulting
in a loss of water with the increased
sodium excretion.
Caparas, Margretta Alyssa T.
BSN2A-2
2A2 Subgroup 5 = Potassium-Sparing Diuretics
GENERIC NAME: Spironolactone
BRAND NAME: Aldactone
THERAPEUTIC USES
o The primary therapeutic outcome
associated with spironolactone
therapy is diuresis, with reduction
of edema and improvement in
symptoms related to excessive fluid
accumulation and heart failure.
REASON GIVEN (DISEASE STATES)
o Hypertension
- Spironolactone is used in
combination with other medicines
to treat high blood pressure
(hypertension).
o Heart Failure
- Spironolactone is also used to
lessen the need for hospitalization
for heart failure.
o Hyperaldosteronism
- Spironolactone competitively
binds receptors at the aldosterone-
dependent sodium-potassium
exchange site in the distal
convoluted renal tubule. It provides
diuretic and antihypertensive
effects, causing increased excretion
of sodium and water, while
retaining potassium.
PHARMACOLOGY
NURSING PROCESS
PRE-ADMINISTRATION
ASSESSMENT
o Obtain a history of drugs taken
daily.
o Note whether the patient is taking a
potassium supplement or using a
salt substitute.
o Assess vital signs, serum
electrolytes, weight, and urine
output for baseline levels.
o Compare the patient’s drug dose
with the recommended dose, and
report any discrepancy.
o Note whether the patient is
hypersensitive to sulfonamides.
Caparas, Margretta Alyssa T.
BSN2A-2
2A2 Subgroup 5 = Potassium-Sparing Diuretics
POST ADMINISTRATION
EVALUATION
o Evaluate the effectiveness of
potassium-sparing diuretics.
o Fluid retention (edema) should be
decreased or absent.
o Determine whether urine output
has increased and whether serum
potassium level is within the
normal range.
● PATIENT TEACHING
NURSING CONSIDERATIONS
o Note the half-life of spironolactone.
o With a long half-life, the drug is
usually administered once a day,
sometimes twice a day
o Monitor urinary output it should
increase
o Record vital signs and report any
abnormal changes
o Observe for signs and symptoms of
hyperkalemia (serum potassium
>5.0 mEq/L). nausea, diarrhea,
abdominal cramps, etc.
o Administer spironolactone in the
morning and not in the evening to
avoid nocturia
General
o Teach patients to take
spironolactone with or after meals
to avoid nausea
o Encourage patients not to
discontinue the drug without
consulting a health care provider
Side Effects
o Caution patients to avoid exposure
to direct sunlight because
spironolactone can cause
photosensitivity
PHARMACOLOGY
 o Advise patients to report possible
side effects such as rash, dizziness,
weakness, and GTI upset
● DIET
o Advise patients with high serum
potassium levels to avoid foods rich
in potassium when taking
potassium-sparing diuretics
● CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS
o Use both hands to show respect
when offering a prescription,
instructions, or pamphlets to Asians
and Pacific Islanders

Caparas, Margretta Alyssa T. PHARMACOLOGY

BSN2A-2
2A2 Subgroup 5 = Potassium-Sparing Diuretics