Paper I — 2020 February (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme) — Q9

Paper I

2020 February (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme) · 40 marks · 120 min

Question

Spironolactone in cirrhosis of liver.

Q91 marksShort Answers★✓

Answer

Cirrhosis of the liver leads to secondary hyperaldosteronism (due to impaired hepatic aldosterone metabolism and activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system from effective hypovolaemia), causing sodium and water retention that contributes to ascites and oedema. Spironolactone, an aldosterone antagonist, directly counters this mechanism by blocking aldosterone receptors in the distal tubule, promoting natriuresis while conserving potassium — making it particularly effective (more so than other diuretics) for managing ascites/oedema in cirrhotic patients.

Related Concepts

1. 1Drugs for Heart Failure

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