PRIMARY ALDOSTERONISM

TREATMENT
Prepared by Kobe Ubod and Jason Tecson
• TREATMENT FOR AN ADRENAL
GLAND TUMOR
o SURGICAL REMOVAL OF THE GLAND
o ALDOSTERONE BLOCKING DRUGS

• TREATMENT FOR OVERACTIVITY OF

BOTH ADRENAL GLANDS
o MEDICATIONS
o LIFESTYLE CHANGES
TREATMENT FOR AN ADRENAL
GLAND TUMOR:
• 1. SURGIVAL REMOVAL OF THE GLAND
Surgical removal of the adrenal gland containing
the tumor (adrenalectomy) is usually
recommended because it may permanently
resolve high blood pressure and potassium
deficiency, and it can bring aldosterone levels
back to normal.
RISK OF ADRENALOCTOMY:

Usual risk of abdominal surgery, including

bleeding and infection.

ADVANTAGE:
Adrenal hormone replacement is not necessary
after a unilateral adrenalectomy because the
other adrenal gland is able to produce adequate
amounts of all the hormones on its own.
• 2. ALDOSTERONE-BLOCKING DRUGS

Aldosterone-blocking drugs (mineralocorticoid

receptor antagonists) and lifestyle changes.

DISADVANTAGE: High blood pressure and low

potassium will return if you stop taking your
medications
TREATMENT FOR OVERACTIVITY OF
BOTH ADRENAL GLANDS:

A combination of medications and lifestyle

modifications can effectively treat primary
aldosteronism caused by overactivity of both
adrenal glands (bilateral adrenal hyperplasia).
• MEDICATIONS
Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists block the
action of aldosterone in your body. This medication
helps correct high blood pressure and low
potassium.

ACTION:
In addition to blocking aldosterone receptors,
spironolactone blocks androgen and progesterone
receptors and may inhibit the action of these
hormones.
SIDE EFFECTS:
1. Male breast enlargement (gynecomastia)
2. Decreased sexual desire.
3. Impotence
4. Menstrual irregularities
5. Gastrointestinal distress
A newer, more expensive mineralocorticoid
receptor antagonist called eplerenone acts just on
aldosterone receptors, but eliminates the sex
hormone side effects associated with
spironolactone.
• LIFESTYLE CHANGES

1. Follow a healthy diet.

2. Achieve a healthy weight.
3. Don't smoke.
4. Limit alcohol and caffeine.