- Aldosterone Antagonists

Sometimes, despite taking your water tablets, you can still feel breathless and have too much fluid in your body (oedema). Your doctor may prescribe Spironolactone or Epleronone to help get rid of this fluid.
These tablet blocks the action of a chemical called Aldosterone which helps the body retain fluid.

They are also known as a potassium-sparing diuretic because, unlike some other diuretics, it does not cause your body to lose potassium but can raise your potassium which is why we ask that you get your bloods checked regularly. They can also cause you to lose too much sodium in your blood which can made you feel sick and dizzy. If this happens you must contact your heart failure nurse or GP.

Research shows that Spironolactone or Epleronone can help people with heart failure feel better, stay out of hospital and live longer.

Side Effects
• Spironolactone and Epleronone can increase the potassium level in your blood; this will be monitored by blood tests.
• You should not take potassium supplements while you are taking Spironolactone or Epleronone.
• Occasionally Spironolactone can cause men to experience slight breast enlargement and tenderness. If this happens consult your doctor and we may be able to change your tablets to another kind.

Taken from the Heart Failure Newsletter No13