Aldosterone receptor antagonists (also called an antimineralocorticoid, MCRA, and sometimes MRA) are a class of drugs which block the effects of aldosterone. Aldosterone is the main mineralocorticoid hormone in the body and is produced in the adrenal cortex of the adrenal gland. Aldosterone increases sodium reabsorption by the kidneys, salivary glands, sweat glands and colon. At the same time, it increases the excretion of hydrogen and potassium ions.
By blocking the effects of aldosterone, aldosterone receptor antagonists block the reabsorption of sodium, which encourages water loss. Consequently, this leads to a decrease in blood pressure and a reduction in fluid around the heart.
Aldosterone receptor antagonists may be used in the treatment of high blood pressure or heart failure. They also have a weak diuretic action.
Eplerenone is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. Eplerenone is in a class of medications called mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists. It works by blocking the action of aldosterone, a natural substance in the body that raises blood pressure.
Spironolactone is used to treat certain patients with hyperaldosteronism (the body produces too much aldosterone, a naturally occurring hormone); low potassium levels; heart failure; and in patients with edema (fluid retention) caused by various conditions, including liver, or kidney disease. It is also used alone or with other medications to treat high blood pressure. Spironolactone is in a class of medications called aldosterone receptor antagonists. It causes the kidneys to eliminate unneeded water and sodium from the body into the urine but reduces the loss of potassium from the body.
The combination of spironolactone and hydrochlorothiazide is used to treat high blood pressure. This medication is also used to treat patients with edema (fluid retention) caused by various conditions, including heart, liver, or kidney disease. Spironolactone is in a class of medications called aldosterone receptor antagonists. It causes the kidneys to eliminate unneeded water and sodium from the body into the urine, but reduces the loss of potassium from the body. Hydrochlorothiazide is in a class of medications called diuretics (''water pills''). It works by causing the kidneys to get rid of unneeded water and salt from the body into the urine.
