Use and side-effect profile of spironolactone in a private cardiologist's practice.

BACKGROUND

The beneficial effects of spironolactone on the treatment of cardiovascular diseases are well known, but translating these benefits into private practice can be difficult because of the drug's side-effect profile.

HYPOTHESIS: When patients are monitored over the long term, spironolactone can be used safely with an acceptable side-effect profile.

METHODS

We retrospectively studied 762 patients taking spironolactone over a 7-year period in a cardiologist's referral-based practice and monitored them for side effects from the medication.

RESULTS

Data were available on 762 patients. The average age of our patients when started on the medication was 67.2 +/- 0.5 years. Of these, 585 (76.8%) patients were treated for heart failure and 155 (20.3%) for hypertension. An average dose of 38.4 +/- 1.4 mg of spironolactone was used for treatment of all conditions. Of the 762 patients, 81 (10.6%) experienced side effects while using the medication; 40 had hyperkalemia (5.3%), 14 had gynecomastia (1.8%), and 15 had gastritis (2%). Of the patients with hyperkalemia, average creatinine clearance decreased from 64.6 +/- 5.8 ml/min at therapy start to 50.3 +/- 5.5 ml/min at the time of onset of side effects.

CONCLUSION

Spironolactone can be used with an acceptable side-effect profile as long as patients are monitored long-term while receiving the medication.