Last Updated: November 19, 2020 Spironolactone is a medicine used to treat people with various conditions, including high blood pressure, low potassium levels, … Examples of these pain drugs include: Taking certain cholesterol drugs with spironolactone can increase the amount of potassium and acid in your body to unsafe levels. Last medically reviewed on April 19, 2018. Spironolactone is used primarily to treat heart failure, edematous conditions such as nephrotic syndrome or ascites in people with liver disease, essential hypertension, low blood levels of potassium, secondary hyperaldosteronism (such as occurs with liver cirrhosis), and Conn's syndrome (primary hyperaldosteronism). Find out when fluctuating blood pressure is normal and when it may signal an underlying condition. What is it used for? Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. This drug can also cause other side effects. What to do if you miss a dose: If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, spironolactone prevents adrenal androgen production in the body and thus, minimizes PCOS hair loss or androgenetic alopecia (1). This drug belongs to a class of drugs called aldosterone antagonists (blockers), or potassium-sparing diuretics. Having congestive heart failure, cirrhosis, or uncontrolled high blood pressure during pregnancy may lead to medical problems in the mother or the baby. Always carry your medication with you. For people with heart disease: Don’t take potassium supplements, eat a diet high in potassium, or take drugs that increase potassium levels if you have heart failure and you’re taking this drug. Store spironolactone at room temperature between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C). Spironolactone is a diuretic that increases the amount of water and salt removed from the body via the kidneys, which is why they are commonly referred to as “water pills”. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 3 Mar 2021), Cerner Multum™ (updated 1 Mar 2021), ASHP (updated 3 Mar 2021) and others. This means your doctor will need to get approval from your insurance company before your insurance company will pay for the prescription. To find out how this drug might interact with something else you’re taking, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Spironolactone has also been used to treat excessive hair growth (hirsutism) in women with polycystic ovary disease. A normal adult dose may cause levels of this drug to be higher than normal. When flying, never put it into a checked bag. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. If you take this drug, you should monitor your potassium levels closely. In dermatology Spironolactone is mainly used to treat Acne, Hirsutism (excessive hormonal hair), Hidradenitis suppuritiva and Female pattern hair loss. If you’re a senior, you may need a lower dose or a different dosage schedule. You may need to show airport staff the pharmacy label for your medication. Spironolactone is known to reduce androgens, male sex hormones linked to facial hair growth. Aldosterone is a hormone produced by your adrenal glands to help regulate the salt and water balance in your body. The medication is typically used only when other treatments have failed or have been inadequate. Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Despite this lack of research, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. For children: This medication shouldn’t be used in children younger than 18 years. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. In patients who are taking spironolactone for heart failure or ascites with cirrhosis, one may need to replace with a potassium sparing diuretic that also antagonizes aldosterone. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, or herbs you’re taking. It’s important that you take your medication every day as directed by your doctor. Spironolactone has caused tumors in animals but it is not known whether this could occur in people. Spironolactone belongs to two medication classes. A prescription for this medication is refillable. It is used for treating ascites, a complication of cirrhosis. Common spironolactone side effects may include: This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. This drug can cause a severe allergic reaction. nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as: Call your doctor if you have trouble breathing or swelling in your legs. Spironolactone is used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. It's also a aldosterone blocker and can be used to block the adverse effects of aldosterone on the heart and other tissues. What is the strength of CaroSpir (spironolactone) oral suspension? Symptoms include: Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you develop these symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life. It was mainly used for treating hypertension and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and helps improve hirsutism. For people with liver disease: Taking this drug when you have liver disease may lead to a coma. Spironolactone is a prescription medication approved by the FDA to treat edema, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure and hyperaldosteronism. Spironolactone oral tablet may cause drowsiness. If you don’t take it at all: If you do not take this drug, your blood pressure will stay high. You shouldn’t drive, use machinery, or do similar tasks that require alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Tell your doctor right away if you have the following symptoms, which may be signs of hepatic coma: For people with hyperkalemia: You shouldn’t take this drug if you have hyperkalemia (high potassium levels). Spironolactone is a prescription drug. This can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Spironolactone oral tablet can interact with other medications, vitamins, or herbs you may be taking. Available for Android and iOS devices. What is spironolactone? Spironolactone for edema works by helping the kidneys rid the body of excess fluid. Spironolactone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. Usual Adult Dose for Congestive Heart Failure: Initial dose: 25 mg orally once a day assuming serum potassium is less than or equal to 5 mEq/L and serum creatinine is less than or equal to 2.5 mg/dL. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Spironolactone is also used to treat low potassium levels and conditions in which the body is making too much of a natural chemical (aldosterone). It’s given as a single dose or split into two doses. A new international study shed light on the fact that 24-hour blood pressure monitoring can provide a more accurate prediction of one’s risk for…, This study found that in people who have high blood pressure, 4 out of 10 don't know what their last blood pressure reading was. Your doctor may lower your dosage of lithium if you take these drugs together. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects. It may not be safe to breastfeed while using spironolactone. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well. Examples of these drugs include: Taking certain pain drugs with spironolactone can result in kidney damage and increased blood pressure. Spironolactone is used for treating high blood pressure, heart failure, primary hyperaldosteronism, water retention, and low potassium levels in the blood. This drug also has an androgen-lowering effect on the body, and hence it is prescribed for PCOS symptoms like acne and hirsutism. Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. Symptoms can include: redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of your skin, including inside of your mouth. This process also stops potassium from being excreted by your body. It can also be used to treat water retention due to kidney disease, congestive failure, or cirrhosis of the liver. It can help treat acne, hair loss, and Hirsutism (excessive body hair growth). Brand Name: Aldactone, CaroSpir. You should keep a log with the date, time of day, and your blood pressure readings. Your doctor may monitor you closely if you take these drugs together. This guide can help you understand Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans in Virginia, eligibility for Medicare plans, enrollment resources, and…. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. This list is not complete. Spironolactone is used to reduce swelling from liver disease and nephrotic syndrome. Spironolactone is used to treat heart failure, high blood pressure (hypertension), or hypokalemia (low potassium levels in the blood). Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures. Some people may take as little as 25 mg per day or as much as 200 mg per day. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to spironolactone: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. This drug may be taken as part of a combination therapy with other medications. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using spironolactone. Don’t worry about airport X-ray machines. If you stop taking it suddenly: If you stop taking this drug, you may start retaining water. A hormone disorder that leads to high blood pressure called primary hyperaldosteronism Swelling from fluid buildup (called edema), caused by kidney disorders, heart failure, or liver disease Low blood potassium (hypokalemia) Doctors may also prescribe spironolactone to treat acne or excessive hair growth on the face, chest, or back. Taking it again could be fatal (cause death). However, this class in particular is the only type of diuretic that helps prevent the body from excreting potassium as well. Electrolyte and/or fluid problems. Other drugs may interact with spironolactone, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Your doctor may increase or decrease your dosage based on how you respond to the drug. Tell your doctor if you’re pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Breast enlargement (gynecomastia). Generic drugs usually cost less than the brand-name version. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. By blocking aldosterone, your body won’t retain fluid. This may cause side effects in a child who is breastfed. Medically reviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MD. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects. If you take too much: If you take too much of this drug, you may have the following symptoms: If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor or local poison control center. Symptoms can include: not being able to move your legs and arms, tingling or numb feeling in your hands or feet. © 2005-2021 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Spironolactone is an oral medication that is primarily used in medicine to treat heart failure and high blood pressure. Most Americans Can't, 4 Hidden Habits That May Affect Your Blood Pressure, Everything You Need to Know About High Blood Pressure (Hypertension), Vaccinated or Not, COVID-19 Testing Is Still Important: Here’s Why. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. For pregnant women: Research in pregnant animals has shown negative effects to the fetus when the mother takes the drug. This drug works by blocking aldosterone activity. Spironolactone is a medication commonly used by cirrhosis patients. The typical dosage is 100 to 400 mg daily in preparation for surgery. You should not need a new prescription for this medication to be refilled. 25 to 200 mg orally per day in single or divided doses, Initial dose: 50 to 100 mg orally per day in single or divided doses. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. If you’re a senior, you may need a lower dose or a different schedule. Keep it in your carry-on bag. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses. Spironolactone uses include treating high blood pressure and fluid retention, or edema. To help avoid interactions, your doctor should manage all of your medications carefully. Select one or more newsletters to continue. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions. Do not take two doses at one time. Generic Name: spironolactone (spir ON oh LAK tone) Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. It is prescribed for the treatment of congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, and kidney disease. This drug may lower your blood pressure by blocking aldosterone’s effect on your blood vessels. Those diagnosed with…, The American Heart Association released a list of hidden habits that can impact a person's blood pressure. Spironolactone also treats fluid retention (edema) in people with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, or a kidney disorder called nephrotic syndrome. Spironolactone is also used to diagnose or treat a condition in which you have too much aldosterone in your body. You may need to check your blood pressure at home using a blood pressure monitor. This medication isn’t approved for use in children younger than 18 years. Usual Adult Dose for Primary Hyperaldosteronism: Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Allergic reactions. Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes, unless your doctor has told you to. 1 angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, such as: angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), such as: heparin and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH). This can lead to a heart attack or stroke. The more common side effects that can occur with spironolactone include: If these effects are mild, they may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. Your reactions could be impaired. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. Don’t take this drug again if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to it. What is spironolactone? Examples of these drugs include: Taking lithium with spironolactone can increase the effects of lithium. Your doctor will write the number of refills authorized on your prescription. It’s also used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and excessive aldosterone secretion. a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; high potassium level - nausea, weakness, tingly feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement; o. signs of other electrolyte imbalances - increased thirst or urination, confusion, vomiting, muscle pain, slurred speech, severe weakness, numbness, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady. Spironolactone is used for long-term treatment. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. It can also be used in combination with other drugs to treat diuretic induced low potassium and high blood pressure. You’re also at increased risk of hyperkalemia (high potassium levels). While it has not been approved by the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) to treat acne, doctors sometimes prescribe it for that purpose as well.This is called off-label prescribing, and it is a common practice with many medications. This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. You should use spironolactone with caution if you have kidney problems, high levels of potassium in your blood, Addison's disease, if you are unable to urinate, or if you are also taking eplerenone. First, it’s a diuretic — a type of medication that increases your body’s excretion of excess fluids, causing you to expel more water. It's also a testosterone blocker and can be used to decrease hair growth in patients with excessive hair. Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use spironolactone only for the indication prescribed. This drug is used to reduce swelling from liver disease and nephrotic syndrome (a kidney problem). Spironolactone (Aldactone) is a diuretic (a “water pill”), which means it is a drug that removes fluid from your body. It’s also used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and excessive aldosterone secretion. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. It can make your illness worse. This is how spironolactone works to protect the heart, lower blood pressure, and help with any leg swelling that a weak heart can cause. Your doctor will tell you what dosage is right for you. Keep these considerations in mind if your doctor prescribes spironolactone for you. This can cause serious worsening of kidney and liver disease. Copyright 1996-2021 Cerner Multum, Inc. spironolactone [spi″rah-no-lak´tōn] one of the spirolactones, a competitive antagonist of aldosterone and a potassium-sparing diuretic; used in treatment of edema, hypokalemia, primary aldosteronism, and (usually in combination with other drugs) hypertension. The typical starting dosage is 25 mg taken by mouth once per day. There are other drugs available to treat your condition. If you become pregnant while taking this drug, call your doctor right away. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic (water pill) that prevents your body from absorbing too much salt and keeps your potassium levels from getting too low. Spironolactone is used to reduce swelling from liver disease and nephrotic syndrome. Wait, but what else? Your doctor will monitor your condition and be able to tell if this drug is working. Aldactone (spironolactone) is classified as a potassium-sparing diuretic. For people with Addison’s disease: You shouldn’t take this drug if you have Addison’s disease. Your doctor should decide whether you take spironolactone if you are pregnant. This means that your heart disease is getting worse. Spironolactone is used to treat heart failure, high blood pressure (hypertension), or hypokalemia (low potassium levels in the blood). Spironolactone can be used to treat low potassium levels (hypokalaemia). Always carry the original prescription-labeled box with you. The intended use of the pill is as a high-blood-pressure medication, but … Spironolactone is an anti-androgen drug. However, because drugs interact differently in each person, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible interactions. Never try to catch up by taking two doses at once. Fighting high blood pressure or…. It can be used to treat acne in women by targeting the hormonal causes of acne. What is spironolactone? It is a type of diuretic that works by increasing the amount of salt and water that the kidneys remove from the blood. If spironolactone is used primarily for the potassium sparing effect, then another potassium sparing diuretic such as triamterene or amiloride may be considered. Symptoms can include: Dangerously high potassium levels. What Is Spironolactone Used For? The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Always speak with your healthcare provider about possible interactions with all prescription drugs, vitamins, herbs and supplements, and over-the-counter drugs that you are taking. Aldosterone is a hormone produced by your adrenal glands to help regulate the salt and water balance in your body. Taking certain medications with spironolactone can increase the amount of potassium in your body to unsafe levels. Don’t put this medication in your car’s glove compartment or leave it in the car. Severe skin reactions. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here. This makes certain heart, kidney, and liver conditions worse. Spironolactone is also used to diagnose or treat a condition in which you have too much aldosterone in your body. Talk to your doctor if you breastfeed your child. Experts say discrimination over a lifetime can cause stress that eventually can produce high blood pressure. The most common side effect experienced among men on spironolactone is gynecomastia, or the enlargement of the breast tissue. If you need surgery, tell your surgeon you currently use this medicine. Avoid a diet high in salt. You may also have a sudden increase in your blood pressure. changes in your body’s electrolytes, which can cause irregular heart rate or muscle pain and cramping. You should not use spironolactone if you are allergic to it, or if you have: Addison's disease (an adrenal gland disorder); high levels of potassium in your blood (hyperkalemia); To make sure spironolactone is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have: an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of calcium, magnesium, or sodium in your blood); Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Shocker, but spironolactone isn’t even technically an acne drug. Aldactone (spironolactone) is a medication that's used to treat many different disorders, from high blood pressure to fluid retention. It comes as an oral tablet and an oral suspension. You may need to stop for a short time. It is prescribed for diseases like liver cirrhosis, congestive heart failure and nephrotic syndrome (a kidney disorder). Always speak with your doctor or pharmacist about dosages that are right for you. Your dose, form, and how often you take it will depend on: The typical starting dosage is 25–100 mg taken by mouth each day. Spironolactone-HCTZ is used for controlling high blood pressure. In some cases, they may not be available in all strengths or forms as the brand-name drug. High blood pressure is often associated with few or no symptoms. Spironolactone (Aldactone) is a potassium-sparing diuretic that was approved many years ago. Bring this diary with you to your doctor appointments. Spironolactone oral tablet is available as a brand-name drug and a generic drug. Spironolactone comes as an oral tablet and an oral suspension. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how spironolactone will affect you. Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. What Conditions does SPIRONOLACTONE Treat? This can be fatal. Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome have higher numbers of androgens and often experience multiple benefits with the drug. Spironolactone oral tablet is available as the brand-name drug Aldactone and as a generic drug. If it’s just a few hours before the time for your next dose, then wait and only take one dose at that time. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic (water pill) that prevents your body from absorbing too much salt and keeps your potassium levels from getting too low. Many people have it for years without knowing it. If you don’t take it on schedule: If you don’t take this drug on schedule, your blood pressure might not be controlled. It comes with serious risks if you don’t take it as prescribed. Many uses: Spironolactone is a diuretic and can be used to get rid of the body's extra fluid. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Examples of drugs that can cause interactions with spironolactone are listed below. Let's find out how it works. If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel well. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. For seniors: Older adults may process drugs more slowly. It’s FDA-approved for treatment of fluid retention caused by a … Older adults may process drugs more slowly. How to tell the drug is working: You may not be able to tell whether this drug is working or not. This could cause dangerous side effects. Many insurance companies require a prior authorization for this drug. While you’re taking this drug, your doctor will check the following: You may need to purchase a home blood pressure monitor to check your blood pressure at home. Spironolactone is used to diagnose or treat a condition in which you have too much aldosterone in your body. If your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away. You may need to buy your own blood pressure monitor to check your blood pressure at home. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information -, Detailed Spironolactone dosage information. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. They can’t hurt your medication. By blocking aldosterone receptors, spironolactone counteracts high levels of aldosterone in this condition. irregular menstrual cycles or bleeding after menopause. A normal adult dose may cause levels of this drug to be higher than normal in your body. Some may be better suited for you than others. Symptoms can include: growth of breast tissue in males and females. Your doctor can check your potassium levels using a blood test. Last updated on April 14, 2020. This can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Aldosterone is a chemical made by the body that can cause water retention. Talk to your doctor about other options that may work for you. Version: 11.01. amlodipine, lisinopril, metoprolol, losartan, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, carvedilol, diltiazem, Lasix, potassium chloride. Spironolactone is a prescription medication that’s used to treat a wide range of diseases and health conditions. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following: Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. All rights reserved. It can worsen the condition. Experts say it’s still important to get tested even if you’re vaccinated, so that you know whether you risk passing COVID-19 to others. Spironolactone is commonly known as a potassium-sparing diuretic, which means in exchange for relieving the body of sodium and water, it makes the body retain potassium. Some people may take 50 mg once per day, and others may take 25 mg once every other day. Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up-to-date.