The resurrection of spironolactone on its golden anniversary.

The edematous states, specifically those in CHF and cirrhosis of the liver, are associated with excessive aldosterone secretion and represent states of secondary hyperaldosteremia. Aldosterone promotes sodium retention by the renal tubules. Spironolactone, first introduced 50 years ago (1953), blocks the action of aldosterone on renal transport of electrolytes, thus acting as an effective diuretic, and in addition, has potentiating effects on other diuretics, including the thiazides. Spironolactone has undesirable side effects that have limited its clinical use; the most significant are impotence, gynecomastia, and hirsutism. Eplerenone, a recently introduced selective ARA, decreases morbidity and mortality in patients with CHF following MI and has none of the androgenic or estrogenic side effects of spironolactone. Eplerenone is an effective alternative for spironolactone.