Spironolactone Research Paper

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Background and History Spironolactone is a light cream colored stable powder that has a faint odor (6). Spironolactone was created by G.D. Searle and is currently the only product that directly treats hyperaldosteronism, the excess production of aldosterone in the body (9). Spironolactone is in the aldosterone-receptor blockers medication category. Spironolactone is a diuretic mostly used to treat hypertension and edemas (8). The discovery that led to the development of spironolactone was aldosterone being found to be the third hormone in the adrenal cortex (6). Aldosterone is created in the zona glomerulosa that is a region of the adrenal cortex. The information know aldosterone led to research into the creation of compounds and medications …show more content…

The compound that is formed is 17alpha-propiolic acid which is reduced to the lactone. Then the solution is oxidized and treated with thioacetic acid and chloranil that finally create spironolactone, also known as 17-hydroxy-7α-mercapto-3-oxo-17α-pregn-4-ene-21-carboxylic acid γ-lactone acetate (6). Spironolactone has a melting point of 198 degrees Celsius to 207 degrees Celsius. It is insoluble in water, but soluble in benzene, ethyl acetate, and alcohol. The solubility of Spironolactone increases with increasing polarity of the solvent. The IR spectrum of spironolactone shows a conjugate carbonyl group and a lactone carbonyl present in the structure …show more content…

It can also be used for patients who need long term treatment for hyperaldosteronism and decline surgery. Spironolactone can also be used to treat congestive heart failure that are caused from edemas and can treat essential hypertension with other medications if it is appropriate for the patient (5). Spironolactone was also found to be the most effective treatment for resistant hypertension to add on to current therapy (1). Spironolactone has some minor uses in women treating hirsutism resulting from polycystic ovarian syndrome and treat acne occurring during puberty (8). The average dose for adults is twenty-five milligrams four times a day in tablet form and the usual pediatric dose is 3.3 milligrams per kilogram given throughout the day (8). Spironolactone is not commonly used during pregnancy because of the diuretic usage it can be unsafe for the mother and fetus

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