Adverse Effects of Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonist Administration.

BACKGROUND: Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists consist of a class of drugs with pleiotropic beneficial effects in several cardiovascular diseases. However, physicians frequently overlook their use due to the adverse effects of such agents.
OBJECTIVES: To determine the adverse effects of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists and to suggest clinically meaningful options. We present data on the two most administered agents of this class: spironolactone and eplerenone.
METHOD: We conducted an in-depth review of the existing international literature to draft a mini review about the mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists-related side effects. RESULT: Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists are associated with increased risk of hyperkalemia and acute deterioration of renal function. Of note, these adverse effects are dose-dependent, more common during the initial period of treatment, and are usually reversed after the withdrawal of therapy. Sex-related adverse events are noted mainly in spironolactone while switching to eplerenone could attenuate those.
CONCLUSION: Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists therapy is significantly limited due to their side effects. The development of novel non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists could substantially widen the use of such agents. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.