What Is Spironolactone-HCTZ Used For?

Spironolactone-HCTZ is used for controlling high blood pressure. It can also be used to treat water retention due to kidney disease, congestive failure, or cirrhosis of the liver. The medication is typically used only when other treatments have failed or have been inadequate. There are currently no spironolactone-HCTZ uses approved for children or adolescents.

 

What Is Spironolactone-HCTZ Used For? -- An Overview

Spironolactone-HCTZ (Aldactazide®) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat a couple of conditions. These specific spironolactone-HCTZ uses include:
 
 
 
Because spironolactone-HCTZ has been shown to cause tumors in animal studies, it should only be used when other treatments have failed or have not been adequate.
 

Why Is Spironolactone-HCTZ Used for High Blood Pressure?

A
 blood pressure reading consists of two numbers -- for example, 120/80. The top number is known as the systolic blood pressure, and the bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure. High blood pressure is defined as an average blood pressure higher than 140/90 with multiple blood pressure readings.
 
In clinical studies, spironolactone-HCTZ has been shown to significantly lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. By lowering blood pressure, the drug can decrease the risk of developing health problems (such as stroke, heart disease, or congestive heart failure) that occur with long-term high blood pressure (see Effects of High Blood Pressure). Spironolactone-HCTZ is not a cure for high blood pressure, however.
 
(What Is Spironolactone-HCTZ Used For? Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;