Aldosterone antagonists
Aldosterone Antagonists
Aldosterone antagonists (pronunciation: al-dos-te-rone an-tag-o-nists) are a class of drugs that inhibit the effects of aldosterone, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands.
Etymology
The term "aldosterone" is derived from the Latin aldus meaning "old" and sterone meaning "steroid". The term "antagonist" comes from the Greek antagonistes, meaning "opponent" or "rival".
Function
Aldosterone antagonists work by binding to the mineralocorticoid receptor in the kidneys, blocking the action of aldosterone. This results in increased excretion of sodium and water, and decreased excretion of potassium. They are primarily used in the treatment of conditions such as heart failure, liver cirrhosis, and hypertension.
Types
There are two main types of aldosterone antagonists: spironolactone and eplerenone. Both of these drugs are potassium-sparing diuretics, meaning they help the body get rid of excess fluid without causing a loss of potassium.
Side Effects
Common side effects of aldosterone antagonists include hyperkalemia (high potassium levels), gynecomastia (breast enlargement in men), and menstrual irregularities in women.
Related Terms
- Aldosterone: A hormone produced by the adrenal glands that regulates the balance of water and electrolytes in the body.
- Mineralocorticoid receptor: A protein that aldosterone binds to in order to exert its effects.
- Spironolactone: A type of aldosterone antagonist.
- Eplerenone: Another type of aldosterone antagonist.
- Potassium-sparing diuretics: A class of diuretics that prevent the loss of potassium.
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