Key facts about Spironolactone
What dosages is Spironolactone available in?
Spironolactone is available as a 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg tablet.
What is Spironolactone used for?
Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic (water pill) used to treat hypertension, primary aldosteronism (a hormone imbalance), or swelling due to liver damage (cirrhosis), nephrotic syndrome (a rare kidney condition), or congestive heart failure.
How does Spironolactone work?
Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic (water pill) that works in your kidneys you urinate more without lowering the amount of potassium. This helps lower the amount of fluid in your blood vessels and other areas of your body.
How do I take Spironolactone?
Spironolactone can be taken as a single dose once a day or split into smaller doses and be taken twice a day.
Is it safe for me to take Spironolactone?
Spironolactone is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. ALDACTAZIDE is contraindicated in patients with hyperkalemia, Addison’s disease, or in those taking eplerenone.
Spironolactone Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Spironolactone include:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Sleepiness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Enlargement of male breasts
- Breast pain
- Lower sex drive
- Sexual dysfunction
- Irregular or lack of menstrual periods
- Leg cramps
- Higher potassium levels
- Lower sodium levels
Spironolactone Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Spironolactone. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- High potassium levels: muscle weakness, numbness, a tingling sensation, racing heart, trouble catching your breath, chest pain, nausea, vomiting
- Abnormal electrolyte levels: muscles cramps, fainting, irregular heartbeats, seizures
- Kidney failure: not urinating as much as usual, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, swelling
- Serious skin reactions: sore throat, fever, tiredness, trouble swallowing, stinging sensation in the eyes, body aches, rash, itchiness, peeling or blistering of the skin
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Spironolactone
ACE inhibitors, Angiotensin II receptor antagonists, aldosterone blockers, potassium supplements, heparin, low molecular weight heparin, and other drugs known to cause hyperkalemia. Alcohol, barbiturates, or narcotics: Potentiation of orthostatic hypotension may occur. Corticosteroids, ACTH: Intensified electrolyte depletion, particularly hypokalemia, may occur. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): In some patients, the administration of an NSAID can reduce the diuretic, natriuretic, and antihypertensive effects of loop, potassium-sparing, and thiazide diuretics. Combination of NSAIDs, e.g., indomethacin, with potassium-sparing diuretics has been associated with severe hyperkalemia. Lithium: Lithium generally should not be given with diuretics. Diuretics: May reduce the renal clearance of lithium and add a high risk of lithium toxicity. Cholestyramine: Hyperkalemic metabolic acidosis has been reported with concomitant use.
Who makes Spironolactone?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Spironolactone safe in pregnancy?
It is not known if Spironolactone will harm your unborn baby. If you become pregnant while receiving Spironolactone, talk to your healthcare provider.
