Spironolactone
Molecule Description
Spironolactone is a medicine that prevents your body from absorbing too much sa
lt and water.
Uses of Spironolactone
This medicine is used to treat fluid retention (edema) in people with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver or a kidney disorder called nephrotic syndrome. This medicine is also used to treat or prevent hypokalemia (low levels of potassium in the blood)....
Contraindications of Spironolactone
When should one not use Spironolactone
- You are allergic to spironolactone
- You cannot pass urine
- You have severe kidney disease
- You have an extreme weakness, loss of weight and low blood pressure
- Potassium levels are high in your body
Side effects of Spironolactone
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain or cramps
- Dry mouth and thirst
- Dizziness
- Unsteadiness and headache
- Gynecomastia (enlarged breast tissue in men) and breast pain in women
- Irregular menstrual periods and postmenopausal vaginal bleeding
- Erectile dysfunction in men
Precautions and Warnings of Spironolactone
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take Spironolactone during pregnancy?
A:
There is not much adequate data about the safety of this medicine in pregnancy. Spironolactone should not be used during pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Spironolactone while breastfeeding?
A:
It is not recommended to use while breastfeeding a baby.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Spironolactone?
A:
If during Spironolactone treatment, you feel dizziness, sleepiness or blurred vision, then try to avoid driving.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Spironolactone?
A:
Intake of alcohol should be avoided while taking this medicine as both can low your blood pressure drastically.
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- Have kidney disease
- Have any problems in passing urine
- Have heart failure
- Are pregnant
- Have electrolyte imbalance
- Do not take potassium supplements if you are taking this medicine as both can increase potassium in the blood which can be harmful
Mode of Action of Spironolactone
How Does It Work?
This medicine lowers blood pressure and swelling by removing the extra water and electrolytes from the body without the loss of potassium.
Interactions of Spironolactone
Interactions with other medicines
- Metformin
- Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
- Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACEI's)
Interactions with food items
It has food interactions with high-potassium fruits like papaya, cantaloupe, prune juice, honeydew melons, bananas, kiwis, oranges and orange juice. High potassium vegetables such as tomatoes, tomato juice, white and sweet potatoes, asparagus, pumpkin and Brussels sprouts should also be avoided....
Dosage of Spironolactone
Overdose
Seek emergency medical care if you think you had an overdose of Spironolactone. Overdose symptoms may include red skin rash, drowsiness, confusion, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
Missed a Dose
If you missed any dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue the regular dosing schedule. Do not take an extra dose of medicine to compensate for the missed dose....
Content Details
WRITTEN BY
Dr. Nikita Toshi
BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery)
REVIEWED BY
Dr. Ritu Budania
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What should I discuss with my healthcare expert before taking this medicine?
A: Give a detailed account of your medical and surgical history. Also, mention to your doctor all the prescription and non-prescription medicines, herbal preparations and nutritional supplements that you may be taking before starting this medication.
References
View All
- Ema.spironolactone. [Accessed 27 Jun.2019] (online)
- Webmd.spironolactone. [Accessed 27.Jun.2019] (online)
- Dailymed.spironolactone. [Accessed 27.Jun.2019] (online)
- Lactmed.spironolactone. [Accessed 27.Jun.2019] (online) Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Spironolactone. [Updated 2019 Apr 1].
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