Antimineralocorticoid

Antimineralocorticoids (pronounced: an-ti-min-er-al-o-cor-ti-coids) are a class of drugs that oppose the actions of the mineralocorticoid hormones in the body. They are also known as mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists.

Etymology

The term "antimineralocorticoid" is derived from the prefix "anti-", meaning against, and "mineralocorticoid", which refers to a class of steroid hormones that regulate salt and water balance in the body.

Function

Antimineralocorticoids work by blocking the action of aldosterone, a mineralocorticoid hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Aldosterone acts on the cells of the kidney to increase the reabsorption of sodium and water and the excretion of potassium. By blocking the action of aldosterone, antimineralocorticoids help to reduce fluid retention and lower blood pressure.

Uses

Antimineralocorticoids are used in the treatment of various conditions, including heart failure, liver cirrhosis, and hyperaldosteronism. They are also used to treat high blood pressure and certain types of edema.

Examples

Examples of antimineralocorticoids include spironolactone, eplerenone, and canrenoate. These drugs are often used in combination with other medications to treat heart failure and high blood pressure.

Side Effects

Common side effects of antimineralocorticoids include dizziness, headache, and increased urination. More serious side effects can include hyperkalemia (high potassium levels in the blood), kidney problems, and menstrual irregularities in women.

Related Terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Antimineralocorticoid
Wikipedia's article - Antimineralocorticoid

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Antimineralocorticoid