Spironolactone test

The spironolactone test is an auxiliary test used to check whether urination is normal. Spironolactone can competitively antagonize the potassium excretion effect of aldosterone in the distal tubules of the kidney, but does not inhibit the synthesis and secretion of aldosterone, and has no direct effect on the renal tubules. Patients with primary aldosteronism can reduce renal tubular potassium excretion, increase sodium excretion, increase serum potassium, and decrease serum sodium after administration of spironolactone. This test is helpful for the diagnosis of increased aldosterone.