In eight patients with cirrhosis and stable ascites controlled on chlorothiazide
and spironolactone, a small particle preparation of spironolactone (Aldactone A) was as effective,
at one quarter the dosage, as conventional spironolactone (Aldactone). Plasma spironolactone
metabolite levels and urinary excretion of spironolactone metabolite were equivalent with both
preparations. The variable dosage requirement of spironolactone in patients with cirrhosis and
ascites is discussed in relation to these observations.