Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) = aldosterone antagonist
This group of drugs is used for hard-to-treat high blood pressure and for certain types of heart failure. They are also used in other conditions, for example to treat fluid build-up in liver cirrhosis or in primary hyperaldosteronism.
Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA)/aldosterone antagonists how they work:
Aldosterone is made in the adrenal glands. It binds to receptors (mineralocorticoid receptors) in the kidneys and causes the body to retain more sodium and water. That raises blood pressure. When a medication blocks these receptors, more sodium and water are lost in the urine and blood pressure falls. At the same time, the body tends to retain more potassium.
Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA)/aldosterone antagonists side effects:
A key side effect is an increased potassium level in the blood. Compared with other "water tablets" (see diuretics), MRAs are therefore considered potassium-sparing medicines. Too much potassium in the blood can cause muscle weakness and irregular heart rhythms. Spironolactone can cause enlargement of breast tissue in men. Rarely, liver problems can occur.
For the full list of side effects, please refer to the manufacturer's information.
Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA)/aldosterone antagonists active substances:
Spironolactone, Eplerenone
Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA)/aldosterone antagonists: examples of active substances and approved medicines
| Wirkstoff | Produkte |
| Eplerenon | Epleraxiro, Eplerenon, Inspra |
| Spironolacton | Aldactone, Spiro comp Kombipräparat, Spirobeta, Spironolacton |
Sources:
This article comes from BloodPressureDB – the leading app since 2011 that helps hundreds of thousands monitor their blood pressure every day.
Our content is based on carefully researched, evidence-based data and is continuously updated (as of 12/2025).
Author Dr. med. Christine Berchtold-Benchieb is a specialist in general medicine, studied at LMU Munich and has worked in hospitals as well as in several general and specialist practices. Her many years of daily care for patients with high blood pressure combine evidence-based expertise with practical experience and provide reliable recommendations.
Author Dr. med. Christine Berchtold-Benchieb is a specialist in general medicine, studied at LMU Munich and has worked in hospitals as well as in several general and specialist practices. Her many years of daily care for patients with high blood pressure combine evidence-based expertise with practical experience and provide reliable recommendations.
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