Spironolactone is a type of medicine called a diuretic, also known as a "water pill". It is used to treat various conditions, including:
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High blood pressure: Spironolactone is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure.
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Heart failure: Spironolactone is used in combination with other medicines to treat heart failure.
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Edema: Spironolactone is used to treat fluid retention (edema) caused by various conditions, including liver cirrhosis, congestive heart failure, or a kidney disorder called nephrotic syndrome.
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Hyperaldosteronism: Spironolactone is used to diagnose and treat hyperaldosteronism, a condition in which the adrenal gland produces too much hormone called aldosterone.
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Precocious puberty: Spironolactone is used in combination with other medicines to treat precocious puberty, a condition causing children to enter puberty too soon.
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Myasthenia gravis: Spironolactone is used in combination with other medicines to treat myasthenia gravis, a disease in which the nerves do not function properly.
Spironolactone works by preventing the body from absorbing too much salt and keeping potassium levels from getting too low. It is available only with a prescription and comes in tablet form.
