Study shows safety of blood pressure drug

21 May 2010

A drug which is commonly given to people with high blood pressure or heart failure has been shown to be safe by scientists at the University of Dundee.

Previous research had suggested that Spironolactone may cause kidney problems and high blood potassium levels.

However, the latest research found that this is not the case.

Researchers came to that conclusion after linking prescribing data, biochemistry lab data and hospitalisation figures for patients.

Commenting on the findings, which are published in the British Medical Journal, the study authors said that Spironolactone appears to be much safer than previously believed.

Despite a noticeable increase in NHS use of the drug, hospital admission for kidney problems or high blood potassium levels actually fell, they revealed.

Senior author Professor Tom MacDonald, head of the medicines monitoring unit (MEMO) at the University of Dundee, suggested: "I think this is due to a combination of the thoughtful prescribing of lower doses and careful monitoring of blood chemistry in the NHS.

"Our family doctors are excellent at using this drug safely and as a result patients get the substantial benefits without any significant risks."

Professor Allan Struthers, who was also involved in the research, added that Spironolactone is a "very effective" medicine for heart failure and that studies have shown it to reduce deaths by about one-third.

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