Spironolactone in the management of congestive heart failure.

Although many new drugs useful in the treatment of congestive heart failure have been introduced during the past 25 years, spironolactone continues to have an important role in the management of this condition. Spironolactone adds to the activity of the thiazide and loop diuretics to enhance the elimination of sodium and water. Furthermore, unwanted electrolyte disturbances such as hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia, associated with the administration of other classes of diuretics, can be minimized with spironolactone.