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Aldosterone Antagonist

Aldosterone Antagonists are drugs that act as diuretics (water pills). Diuretics cause the kidneys to remove water from the blood and increase urine production. Aldosterone Antagonists main action is to block the response to the hormone aldosterone. Aldosterone promotes the retention of sodium (salt) and the loss of magnesium and potassium. Aldosterone can cause blood vessel and heart damage. Aldosterone antagonist drugs increase urine production, reducing water and salt while retaining potassium. They help lower blood pressure, increase the pumping ability of the heart, and help protect the heart in heart failure.

Some Aldosterone Antagonists that are available are: Spironolactone and Eplerenone (these are not brand names).

Figure 1: Aldosterone Anatgonist
Figure 2: The kidneys produce urine and are affected by aldosterone and diuretics.
Figure 3: Aldosterone Antagonists increase urination causing a reduction of water and salt in the blood.
Figure 4: Aldosterone Antagonists reduce blood pressure and protect the heart in heart failure.

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Visit Ohio Heart and Vascular Center for more information.