Primary hyperaldosteronism medical therapy

Template:Conn syndrome Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

The optimal therapy for primary hyperladosteronism depends on the etiology of hyperaldosteronism.

Medical Therapy

Medical therapy is indicated for bilateral adrenal hyperplasia and all ambiguous causes of primary hyperaldosteronism. The following agents may be used to medical management of primary hyperaldosteronism:

Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists

• Spironolactone
• Potassium canrenoate
• Eplerenone

The first two have affinity for androgen and progesterone receptors, causing side effects such as, gynecomastia (6.9% at dose < 50 mg / day and 52% at dose > 150 mg / day),[108] sexual dysfunction, and menstrual irregularities. Spironolacone is used at a starting dose of 12.5 – 25 mg twice daily and increased gradually to a maximum of 400 mg per day. Eplerenone is a selective mineralcorticoid receptor antagonist without antiandrogen and progesterone agonist activity. It is 60% as potent as spironolactone and should be administered twice daily because of its short half life. It has been shown to be as effective as spironolactone. Potassium-sparing diuretics — amiloride, triamterene. Potassium-sparing diuretics, such as triamterene or amiloride, have been used, although they are usually not as effective as spironolactone Other anti-hypertensives — calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, and low doses of thiadzides diuretics.