Spironolactone

Pharmaceutical Classification:Diuretic
Diuretic Type:Potassium-sparing
Estrogenic Activity None
Progestational Activity None
Water Retention: None
Aromatization: None
Hepatotoxicity None
Recommended Dosage: 50-100 mg/day

Spironolactone General Info

Spironolactone is an aldosterone antagonist, and it is medically classified as a diuretic. Diuretics, also sometimes called water pills, increase the water and salt amount expelled from the body as urine. Spironolactone was created in 1950, and since then, it has been widely used worldwide in clinical medicine, bodybuilding, and other sports. Spironolactone is a Potassium-sparing diuretic, and it is considered the safest diuretic available on the market.

Types of Diuretics used in Sports

Potassium-sparing diuretics (Spironolactone)
The safest and mildest type of diuretics.The only kind of diuretics that reduce fluid levels but do not reduce Potassium levels.
Potassium is found inside cells and is controlled by the kidneys. The main functions of Potassium are the water balance inside the cells and the transmission of nerve impulses. Potassium levels are crucial for the correct functioning of the nerves and muscles.
Thiazide Diuretics : (Hydrochlorothiazide)
Thiazides are the most commonly prescribed diuretics for lowering high blood pressure. These type of diuretics not only decreases the fluids levels they also can relax the blood vessels. Competitive bodybuilders often use Hydrochlorothiazide to boost the effect of more harsh diuretics before or during the contest.
Loop diuretics : (Furosemide)
Loop diuretics are the most potent and the quickest to kick in of all diuretics. These types of diuretics are used to treat severe food poisoning, congestive heart failure, and edema.
Loop diuretics are the most potent and the quickest of all diuretics.
Loop diuretics eliminate water excess as well as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and chloride. Please note that Loop diuretics are extremely powerful, and the misuse could lead to complete dehydration.

Spironolactone in Clinical Medicine

Spironolactone is widely used and prescribed in clinical medicine as a very safe and effective treatment of high blood pressure, heart failure, and a significant drop in Potassium levels called hypokalemia.

Spironolactone in Combat Sports(boxing, wrestling) and Powerlifting Usually used before the weight-in procedure for category adjustments.

Spironolactone in Bodybuilding

Bodybuilders use Spironolactone before the contest. Once the body fat index is at the lowest possible level, the only thing that can worsen muscle definition is water. Spironolactone is used to eliminate from the body as much water as possible and ultimately increase the muscle definition.
Another widespread usage of Spironolactone is the elimination of way more than expected water excess on bulking cycles.
Spironolactone as Anti-Androgen for Female Athletes
The increase of androgen levels in females could lead to permanent virilization. Female athletes widely use Spironolactone to minimize the risks associated with elevated androgen levels.

Spironolactone Administration Women
Anti-Androgen Usage
Recommended dosage range 25-75 mg/day
Recommended cycle length 1-2 weeks
Water Excess Elimination Usage
Recommended dosage range 25-50 mg/day
Recommended cycle length 1-2 weeks

Spironolactone Administration Men
Recommended dosage range 50-100 mg/day
Recommended cycle length 1-2 weeks

Spironolactone as an Effective Booster

Beginners and early competitors taking diuretics for the first time usually are using Spironolactone on its own.
More experienced users that are familiar with diuretic effects are stacking Spironolacton with Furosemide. The 50 mg of Spironolactone and 20mg of Furosemide is considered the most potent diuretic mix that provides quick and exceptional water excretion results, with minimal side effects.

Spironolactone Possible Side Effects

Spironolactone overdose and misuse could lead to side effects such as headaches, diarrhea, lethargy, drowsiness, fever.
Please note
Supplementation of potassium through supplements or a high potassium diet is prohibited while taking Spironolactone.