spironolactone: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Medical
Quick answer
What does “spironolactone” mean?
A potassium-sparing diuretic and antiandrogen medication used primarily to treat fluid retention (edema) and high blood pressure, and as an antiandrogen in conditions like hirsutism and acne.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A potassium-sparing diuretic and antiandrogen medication used primarily to treat fluid retention (edema) and high blood pressure, and as an antiandrogen in conditions like hirsutism and acne.
A synthetic steroid derivative that acts as an antagonist of the aldosterone receptor in the distal tubule of the nephron, promoting sodium and water excretion while conserving potassium. It also has antiandrogenic effects by inhibiting androgen production and blocking androgen receptors.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage or meaning. Spelling and pronunciation are identical. The brand name Aldactone is widely recognised in both regions.
Connotations
Solely medical/pharmacological. No cultural or colloquial connotations.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general language but standard in medical and healthcare professional discourse in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “spironolactone” in a Sentence
[Patient] was started on spironolactone for [condition].Spironolactone is used to treat [condition].The dose of spironolactone was increased to [amount].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spironolactone” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The spironolactone dosage must be carefully monitored.
- She is on a spironolactone-based regimen.
American English
- The spironolactone dose must be carefully monitored.
- He is on a spironolactone-based treatment plan.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in medical, pharmacological, and biomedical research papers discussing diuretics, heart failure management, or endocrine therapies.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation unless discussing personal medical treatment.
Technical
Core term in clinical medicine, pharmacy, endocrinology, and cardiology for describing a specific class of medication.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “spironolactone”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “spironolactone”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spironolactone”
- Misspelling: 'spironolacton', 'spironolactane', 'spironolactin'.
- Mispronunciation: stressing the wrong syllable (e.g., /spaɪˈrɒnəlæktoʊn/).
- Confusing it with other diuretics like furosemide.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a standard, commonly prescribed medication in cardiology, nephrology, and endocrinology, but it is not an over-the-counter drug.
Key side effects include hyperkalaemia (high potassium levels), gynecomastia (breast enlargement in men), menstrual irregularities, and dizziness due to low blood pressure.
Yes, due to its antiandrogenic properties, it is sometimes used off-label at lower doses to treat hormonal acne and hirsutism (excessive hair growth) in women.
Because spironolactone prevents the excretion of potassium in the urine, it can lead to a dangerous accumulation of potassium in the blood (hyperkalaemia), which can affect heart rhythm.
A potassium-sparing diuretic and antiandrogen medication used primarily to treat fluid retention (edema) and high blood pressure, and as an antiandrogen in conditions like hirsutism and acne.
Spironolactone is usually technical / medical in register.
Spironolactone: in British English it is pronounced /ˌspaɪərəʊnəʊˈlæktəʊn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌspaɪroʊnoʊˈlæktoʊn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'SPIRO' (like a spiral, it twists/turns the body's salt/water balance) + 'NO' (says no to aldosterone hormone) + 'LACTONE' (its chemical class).
Conceptual Metaphor
MEDICATION IS A KEY: Spironolactone is a key that blocks the aldosterone receptor lock, preventing salt/water retention.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary mechanism of action of spironolactone?