Inospiron 100

Indications

Inospiron is used for the management of various conditions, including:

• Congestive heart failure
• Hepatic cirrhosis with ascites and edema
• Nephrotic syndrome
• Primary hyperaldosteronism
• Essential hypertension
• Hypokalemia treatment

Note: Always consult a registered healthcare provider before using this medication.

Description

Inospiron is a long-acting aldosterone antagonist that primarily works by competitively binding to aldosterone receptors in the distal renal tubule. This action increases the excretion of sodium and water, while retaining potassium and magnesium. As a potassium-sparing diuretic, Inospiron helps manage conditions like heart failure, cirrhosis, and nephrotic syndrome.

Pharmacology

Spironolactone, the active ingredient in Inospiron, is a selective aldosterone antagonist. It blocks the binding of aldosterone to its mineralocorticoid receptor, preventing the expression of genes that regulate sodium and potassium transport in the kidneys. This results in increased sodium and water excretion, while potassium is retained, making it both a diuretic and an antihypertensive agent. Spironolactone can be used alone or in combination with other diuretics for enhanced effects.

Dosage & Administration

• Edema (congestive heart failure, hepatic cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome): Start with 100 mg daily, with a range of 25-200 mg daily. For faster diuresis, combine with other diuretics.
• Primary hyperaldosteronism: 100-400 mg daily, either before surgery or for long-term maintenance in patients not suitable for surgery.
• Essential hypertension: Start with 50-100 mg daily.
• Hypokalemia: 25-100 mg daily for diuretic-induced hypokalemia.

Important: Follow the guidance of a registered healthcare professional for the appropriate dosage.

Drug Interactions

• ACE inhibitors: Risk of severe hyperkalemia when used with potassium-sparing diuretics.
• Alcohol, barbiturates, or narcotics: May intensify orthostatic hypotension.
• Corticosteroids, ACTH: Can lead to severe electrolyte depletion, particularly hypokalemia.
• Lithium: Diuretics reduce renal clearance of lithium, increasing the risk of lithium toxicity.
• Digoxin: Inospiron may increase the half-life of digoxin.

Contraindications

Inospiron should not be used in patients with:

• Acute renal insufficiency
• Significant renal impairment
• Anuria
• Hyperkalemia
• Sensitivity to Spironolactone

Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

• Gynaecomastia (breast enlargement in men)
• Gastrointestinal disturbances (cramps, diarrhea)
• Drowsiness, lethargy
• Headaches
• Urticaria (skin rashes)
• Mental confusion
• Impotence, irregular periods, or post-menopausal bleeding

Pregnancy & Lactation

• Pregnancy: Spironolactone should be avoided during pregnancy.
• Lactation: Spironolactone’s active metabolite, canrenone, is excreted in breast milk. If necessary, an alternative feeding method should be considered.

Precautions & Warnings

• Regular monitoring for fluid or electrolyte imbalances is essential for all patients on diuretic therapy.
• Hyperkalemia may occur, especially in those with impaired kidney function or excessive potassium intake, and can lead to serious, potentially fatal heart issues.

Overdose Effects

Symptoms of overdose include:

• Drowsiness
• Mental confusion
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea and vomiting

In case of overdose, induce vomiting or perform gastric lavage to remove the drug from the stomach.

Therapeutic Class

• Potassium-sparing diuretics
• Aldosterone antagonists

Storage Conditions

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light.
• Keep out of reach of children.