Spironolactone in the long-term management of patients with congestive heart failure

The therapeutic efficacy of 100 mg spironolactone once daily in patients with congestive heart failure was evaluated in a multi-centre study in general practice. One hundred and fifteen patients were admitted to the study. Clinical and haemotological assessments were made at entry and at regular intervals throughout the 48-week study period. Body weight decreased and the incidence of both pitting and pulmonary oedema was reduced during spironolactone treatment. Plasma sodium level was consistently reduced and plasma potassium increased to accepted normal levels. Seventy-nine patients remained free of side-effects throughout the treatment period.