Canrenone is a mineralocorticoid (aldosterone) inhibitor. Aldosterone is known to be involved in hypertension, kidney disease, atherosclerosis, and heart failure. Blockade of the aldosterone receptor has been shown to improve cardiovascular function. In congestive heart failure, aldosterone antagonists are used in addition to other drugs for additive diuretic effect, which reduces edema and the cardiac workload.Canrenone is an active metabolite of spironolactone with potassium-sparing diuretic activity. Canrenone specifically antagonizes aldosterone at the mineralocorticoid receptor in the kidneys, thereby increasing sodium excretion and inhibiting potassium excretion. It is known to reduce the inflammatory reaction influenced by aldosterone.
Canrenone is a mineralocorticoid (aldosterone) inhibitor.