According to WHO, approximately 1.28 billion adults between the ages of 30 to 79 years worldwide have hypertension. Spironolactone and Hydrochlorothiazide are two common drugs prescribed to hypertensive patients to help them control their blood pressure levels. These drugs work by preventing our bodies from absorbing excessive salt.

About Spironolactone and Hydrochlorothiazide

The FDA (Food Drug and Administration) approved Spironolactone in 2001. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic prescribed to individuals with hypertension, cardiovascular disease, or hypokalemia. It is widely administered as an oral tablet and is available under the name Aldactone and as a generic drug. It is only available on prescription.

What conditions is Spironolactone approved to treat?

Spironolactone is approved to treat several conditions, including

How does Spironolactone work for Hypertension?

Spironolactone is classified as an antagonist of the aldosterone receptor. This medication works by binding receptors in the distal convoluted renal tubule's sodium-potassium aldosterone-dependent exchange location. This causes the kidneys to produce higher water and sodium levels, helping reduce hypertension levels.

The FDA (Food Drug and Administration) approved Hydrochlorothiazide in 1977. Hydrochlorothiazide is a drug commonly prescribed to patients with hypertension, Edema, and kidney, heart, and liver disease. It belongs to a group of medications labeled as diuretics. This class of drugs encourages the kidney to excrete unwanted fluid and salt from the body through the urine. Hydrochlorothiazide is only available on a prescription basis.

What conditions is Hydrochlorothiazide approved to treat?

Hydrochlorothiazide is approved to treat several conditions, including

How does Hydrochlorothiazide work for Hypertension?

Hydrochlorothiazide helps to lower blood pressure by targeting the distal convoluted tubules and blocking the sodium chloride co-transporter mechanism. This has a diuretic effect, which decreases hypertension but results in potassium loss. The effects of the drug might begin as soon as 2 hours after consumption and peak in 4 hours, lasting 6 to 12 hours.

How effective are Spironolactone and Hydrochlorothiazide for treating Hypertension?

Spironolactone and Hydrochlorothiazide are known as effective drugs in treating uncontrolled hypertension levels. Several studies point toward the effectiveness of these drugs in treating hypertension. However, a study conducted in 2018 pointed toward the superiority of Spironolactone over Hydrochlorothiazide in the treatment of hypertension. 

The study was conducted on 566 hypertension patients. A percentage of the participants were prescribed HCTZ (25 mg/qd), whereas others were prescribed spironolactone (25 mg/qd). The study lasted over 4 weeks, and its findings indicated that in patients with uncontrolled blood pressure levels prescribing spironolactone appeared to be a better course of action than prescribing HCTZ for systolic blood pressure control, cf-PWV reduction and preventing the development of resistant hypertension.

How is Spironolactone administered for Hypertension?

Spironolactone is available in tablet and suspension (liquid) form. Both forms of the medication are meant for oral consumption and are usually prescribed to be taken once or twice daily. 

The following table includes information on Spironolactone dosage for hypertension

How is Hydrochlorothiazide administered for Hypertension?

Hydrochlorothiazide comes in two forms: tablet (capsule) and liquid solution; all meant to be taken orally. When used to treat hypertension, it is usually prescribed twice daily.

The following table includes information on Hydrochlorothiazide dosage for hypertension[11]:

What are the most common side effects of Spironolactone?

The most common side effects of Spironolactone include:

Are there any potential serious side effects of Spironolactone?

Potentially serious side effects of Spironolactone include:

Important note! If you experience any of the above serious side effects, seek medical help immediately.

What are the most common side effects of Hydrochlorothiazide?

The most common side effects of Hydrochlorothiazide include

Are there any potential serious side effects of Hydrochlorothiazide?

Potentially serious side effects of Hydrochlorothiazide include:

Important note! If you experience any of the above serious side effects, seek medical help immediately.	

Warnings and general precautions for Spironolactone and Hydrochlorothiazide

Spironolactone and hydrochlorothiazide can cause severe allergic reactions in rare cases. It is important to tell your healthcare provider if you are allergic to these medications or any other thiazide diuretics. It is also critical to share with your doctor if you are breastfeeding, pregnant, or becoming pregnant when taking Spironolactone and hydrochlorothiazide. 

Spironolactone has been known to cause tumors in laboratory animals during testing. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks attached to this medication and its benefits for your health condition.

Contraindications and important interactions for Spironolactone and Hydrochlorothiazide

How much do Spironolactone and Hydrochlorothiazide cost?

25 mg Spironolactone oral tablets cost approximately $13 (30 tablets), whereas 25 mg hydrochlorothiazide oral tablets cost approximately $10 (7 tablets). On the other hand, 25 mg hydrochlorothiazide/spironolactone oral tablets cost approximately $23 (30 tablets). These values can vary depending on your location and the pharmacy you visit. 

Popularity of Spironolactone and Hydrochlorothiazide

Both spironolactone and hydrochlorothiazide are popular drugs prescribed for the treatment of hypertension. However, in recent years, the popularity of spironolactone has decreased due to its tendency to cause tumors and estrogenic side effects. Hydrochlorothiazide remains one of the most popular thiazide diuretics prescribed to treat hypertension.

Both spironolactone and hydrochlorothiazide have a promising track record of treating hypertension and several other diseases. In some cases, doctors may also combine both drugs to treat uncontrolled hypertension levels in patients effectively. However, hydrochlorothiazide is more popular than spironolactone. 

Spironolactone tumor-causing and estrogenic side effects make it a less sought-after treatment for hypertension. It is important to share your medical history and any medications you might be taking, including other relevant information, with your doctor to help them decide which drug to prescribe for your hypertension treatment.

Spironolactone vs Hydrochlorothiazide

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