Medications prescribed by licensed physicians

Spironolactone is a diuretic that reduces potassium levels. When combined with standard medication, spironolactone has been demonstrated to increase overall survival, NYHA functional class, and hospitalizations in patients with severe heart failure (NYHA Class IV) (e.g., ACE inhibitor, loop diuretic, digoxin). 1 It is widely used to treat ascites caused by cirrhosis and has also been used to aid in the diagnosis of primary hyperaldosteronism. It is also employed in the treatment of hypokalemia. It is a relatively weak drug for treating hypertension or generalized edema when compared to thiazide or loop diuretics, yet its effects can be additive when used with thiazide diuretics. Spironolactone has been used to treat acne vulgaris, polycystic ovary syndrome, and female hirsutism, albeit these are not FDA-approved uses. The FDA authorized spironolactone in 1960.