Highlights for spironolactone Show
Spironolactone is a prescription drug. It comes as an oral tablet and an oral suspension. Spironolactone oral tablet is available as the brand-name drug Aldactone and as a generic drug. Generic drugs usually cost less than the brand-name version. In some cases, they may not be available in all strengths or forms as the brand-name drug. This drug may be taken as part of a combination therapy with other medications. Why it’s usedThis drug is used to reduce swelling from liver disease and nephrotic syndrome (a kidney problem). It’s also used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and hyperaldosteronism (excessive secretion of the hormone aldosterone). How it worksThis drug belongs to a class of drugs called aldosterone antagonists (blockers), or potassium-sparing diuretics. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions. This drug works by blocking aldosterone activity. Aldosterone is a chemical made by the body that can cause water retention. This makes certain heart, kidney, and liver conditions worse. By blocking aldosterone, your body won’t retain fluid. This process also stops potassium from being excreted by your body. This drug may lower your blood pressure by blocking aldosterone’s effect on your blood vessels. Spironolactone oral tablet may cause drowsiness. You shouldn’t drive, use machinery, or do similar tasks that require alertness until you know how this drug affects you. This drug can also cause other side effects. More common side effectsThe 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. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Serious side effectsCall your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:
Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always discuss possible side effects with a healthcare provider who knows your medical history. Spironolactone oral tablet can interact with other medications, vitamins, or herbs you may be taking. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well. To help avoid interactions, your doctor should manage all of your medications carefully. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, or herbs you’re taking. To find out how this drug might interact with something else you’re taking, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Examples of drugs that can cause interactions with spironolactone are listed below. Drugs and supplements that increase potassium blood levelsTaking certain medications with spironolactone can increase the amount of potassium in your body to unsafe levels. Examples of these drugs include:
Pain drugsTaking certain pain drugs with spironolactone can result in kidney damage and increased blood pressure. Examples of these pain drugs include:
Cholesterol drugsTaking certain cholesterol drugs with spironolactone can increase the amount of potassium and acid in your body to unsafe levels. Examples of these drugs include: LithiumTaking lithium with spironolactone can increase the effects of lithium. Your doctor may lower your dosage of lithium if you take these drugs together. DigoxinTaking digoxin with spironolactone may increase the effects of digoxin. Your doctor may monitor you closely if you take these drugs together. Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs interact differently in each person, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible interactions. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with your healthcare professional about possible interactions with all prescription drugs, vitamins, herbs and supplements, and over-the-counter drugs that you are taking. This drug comes with several warnings. Allergy warningThis drug can cause a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms include:
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you develop these symptoms. Don’t take this drug again if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to it. Taking it again could be fatal (cause death). Warnings for people with certain health conditionsFor people with liver disease: Taking this drug when you have liver disease may lead to a coma. 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). It can worsen the condition. For people with kidney disease: You’re at increased risk of side effects from this drug. You’re also at increased risk of hyperkalemia (high potassium levels). If you take this drug, you should monitor your potassium levels closely. Your doctor can check your potassium levels using a blood test. For people with Addison’s disease: You shouldn’t take this drug if you have Addison’s disease. It can make your illness worse. 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. Dangerously high potassium levels are more likely if you have heart failure. This can be fatal. Warnings for other groupsFor pregnant women: Research in pregnant animals has shown negative effects to the fetus when the mother takes the drug. However, there haven’t been enough studies done in humans to be certain how the drug might affect a fetus. Despite this lack of research, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk. Tell your doctor if you’re pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking this drug, call your doctor right away. For women who are breastfeeding: A metabolite (substance that results from the breakdown of a drug) from spironolactone passes into breast milk. This may cause side effects in a child who is breastfed. Talk with your doctor if you breastfeed your child. You may need to decide whether to stop breastfeeding or stop taking this medication. For seniors: Older adults may process drugs more slowly. A normal adult dose may cause levels of this drug to be higher than normal. If you’re a senior, you may need a lower dose or a different schedule. For children: This medication shouldn’t be used in children younger than 18 years. All possible dosages and forms may not be included here. Your doctor will tell you what dosage is right for you. Your dose, form, and how often you take it will depend on:
Drug forms and strengthsGeneric: Spironolactone
Brand: Aldactone
Dosage for high blood pressure (hypertension)Adult dosage (ages 18–64 years) The typical starting dosage is 25–100 mg taken by mouth each day. It’s given as a single dose or split into two doses. Child dosage (ages 0–17 years) This medication isn’t approved for use in children younger than 18 years. Senior dosage (ages 65 years and older) There are no specific recommendations for senior dosing. Older adults may process drugs more slowly. A normal adult dose may cause levels of this drug to be higher than normal in your body. If you’re a senior, you may need a lower dose or a different dosage schedule. Dosage for swelling (edema) from nephrotic syndrome and liver diseaseAdult dosage (ages 18–64 years) The typical starting dosage is 100 mg taken by mouth each day. It’s given as a single dose or split into two doses. Some people may take as little as 25 mg per day or as much as 200 mg per day. Child dosage (ages 0–17 years) This medication isn’t approved for use in children younger than 18 years. Senior dosage (ages 65 years and older) There are no specific recommendations for senior dosing. Older adults may process drugs more slowly. A normal adult dose may cause levels of this drug to be higher than normal in your body. If you’re a senior, you may need a lower dose or a different dosage schedule. Dosage for heart failureAdult dosage (ages 18–64 years) The typical starting dosage is 25 mg taken by mouth once per day. Your doctor may increase or decrease your dosage based on how you respond to the drug. Some people may take 50 mg once per day, and others may take 25 mg once every other day. Child dosage (ages 0–17 years) This medication isn’t approved for use in children younger than 18 years. Senior dosage (ages 65 years and older) There are no specific recommendations for senior dosing. Older adults may process drugs more slowly. A normal adult dose may cause levels of this drug to be higher than normal in your body. If you’re a senior, you may need a lower dose or a different dosage schedule. Dosage for excessive aldosterone secretionAdult dosage (ages 18–64 years) The typical dosage is 100 to 400 mg daily in preparation for surgery. If you cannot have surgery, your doctor may give you the lowest effective dose of this drug long term. Child dosage (ages 0–17 years) This medication isn’t approved for use in children younger than 18 years. Senior dosage (ages 65 years and older) There are no specific recommendations for senior dosing. Older adults may process drugs more slowly. A normal adult dose may cause levels of this drug to be higher than normal in your body. If you’re a senior, you may need a lower dose or a different dosage schedule. Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this list includes all possible dosages. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with your doctor or pharmacist about dosages that are right for you. Spironolactone is used for long-term treatment. It comes with serious risks if you don’t take it as prescribed. If you don’t take it at all: If you do not take this drug, your blood pressure will stay high. This can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Your body may also become overloaded with fluid. This can cause serious worsening of kidney and liver disease. If you stop taking it suddenly: If you stop taking this drug, you may start retaining water. You may also have a sudden increase in your blood pressure. This can lead to a heart attack or stroke. If you don’t take it on schedule: If you don’t take this drug on schedule, your blood pressure might not be controlled. This can lead to a heart attack or stroke. What to do if you miss a dose: If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s just a few hours before the time for your next dose, then wait and only take one dose at that time. Never try to catch up by taking two doses at once. This could cause dangerous 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. If your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away. How to tell the drug is working: You may not be able to tell whether this drug is working or not. It’s important that you take your medication every day as directed by your doctor. Your doctor will monitor your condition and be able to tell if this drug is working. You may need to buy your own blood pressure monitor to check your blood pressure at home. Keep these considerations in mind if your doctor prescribes spironolactone for you. General
Storage
RefillsA prescription for this medication is refillable. You should not need a new prescription for this medication to be refilled. Your doctor will write the number of refills authorized on your prescription. TravelWhen traveling with your medication:
Self-managementYou may need to check your blood pressure at home using a blood pressure monitor. You should keep a log with the date, time of day, and your blood pressure readings. Bring this diary with you to your doctor appointments. Clinical monitoringWhile you’re taking this drug, your doctor will check the following:
Hidden costsYou may need to purchase a home blood pressure monitor to check your blood pressure at home. These are available for purchase at most pharmacies. Prior authorizationMany insurance companies require a prior authorization for this drug. This means your doctor will need to get approval from your insurance company before your insurance company will pay for the prescription. There are other drugs available to treat your condition. Some may be better suited for you than others. Talk with your doctor about other options that may work for you. Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up-to-date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication. 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. 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. |