Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in DMSO (20 mg/mL) and ethanol (≥58.6 mg/mL)
Appearance: Pale yellow to pale green solid
Optical Activity: [α]²⁵/D +17 to +24° (c = 1 in chloroform-d)
Water Solubility: 272.4 µg/L (25°C)
Storage Temperature: Room temperature (protected from light)
Structural Features A steroid lactone derivative of spironolactone, acting as a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist. Its structure includes a γ-lactone ring fused to a pregnadiene system, enabling potent aldosterone antagonism.
Pharmacological Actions and Clinical Applications
Mechanism of Action
Aldosterone Antagonism: Competitively binds to mineralocorticoid receptors in the kidneys, inhibiting sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion.
Anti-inflammatory: Reduces oxidative stress and fibrosis in vascular and renal tissues.
Indications
Hypertension: Lowers blood pressure by counteracting aldosterone-driven sodium retention 10.
Heart Failure: Improves outcomes in heart failure models by reducing vascular stiffness and fibrosis 38.
Diabetes-Related Complications: Mitigates renal fibrosis and endothelial dysfunction in diabetic models.
Dosage Forms
Oral Tablets: 25–100 mg/day for hypertension or heart failure.
Injectable Solutions: For acute management of severe hypertension.
Safety and Precautions
Adverse Effects
Hyperkalemia: Common due to potassium retention; monitor serum potassium levels.
Gynecomastia: Androgen receptor modulation may cause breast tissue growth in males.
Contraindications
Severe renal impairment (eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73m²).
Pregnancy or lactation (risk of fetal harm).
Drug Interactions
ACE Inhibitors/ARBs: Synergistic risk of hyperkalemia.
NSAIDs: Reduced renal perfusion may exacerbate potassium retention.
Manufacturing and Quality Control
Synthesis Produced via cyclization of 17α-carboxyethyl-17β-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one lactone using chloranil as an oxidizing agent 7.
Analytical Standards
HPLC: C18 column with methanol-water (60:40) mobile phase; UV detection at 240 nm.
Impurity Limits: Total impurities ≤0.5% of main peak area.
Research and Market
Scientific Use
Cardiovascular Research: Models for studying aldosterone’s role in vascular remodeling.
Cancer Therapy: Investigated for inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in breast cancer cells 5.
Market Overview
Price: ~50–100 per gram (research-grade).
Regulatory and Storage
Regulatory Status: Approved for veterinary and human use in some countries; classified as a prescription drug.
Stability: Stable for 24 months under recommended conditions (cool, dry place).
For detailed toxicological data or clinical trial protocols, consult specialized pharmacological references.