Spironolactone (
Aldactone®) is a prescription medicine that is used as a diuretic for various conditions. It is known as a "potassium-sparing" diuretic.
Side Effects of Spironolactone
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with spironolactone.
However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
A few of the reported side effects include:
(Click Spironolactone Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking It?
Talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking spironolactone if you have:
- Liver disease, including cirrhosis
- Kidney disease or kidney failure
- Fluid or electrolyte problems
- Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are currently taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Specific Spironolactone Uses
Specific uses of spironolactone include:
- Diagnosing and treating primary hyperaldosteronism (overproduction of the hormone aldosterone)
- Controlling high blood pressure (hypertension)
- Decreasing the risk for hospitalization or death in people with severe heart failure
- Treating water retention (edema) caused by the following conditions:
- Treating low levels of potassium in the blood (hypokalemia).
Spironolactone is a diuretic, which is commonly referred to as a "water pill." It is known as an aldosterone antagonist, which means that it blocks aldosterone receptors. Aldosterone is a hormone that causes the body to retain water. By blocking it, spironolactone increases the amount of salt and water the kidneys remove from the blood. This extra salt and water is passed out through urine. By increasing the amount of water removed from the blood, spironolactone causes a decrease in blood volume. Because of this effect, the medication can
lower blood pressure and also help with water retention.
Spironolactone is a "potassium-sparing" diuretic, which means that it does not cause low potassium levels in the blood, like many other diuretics. In fact, this medication usually increases potassium levels, an effect that can be used to treat low potassium levels (hypokalemia).
When and How to Take the Medication
Some general considerations for when and how to take spironolactone include the following:
- Spironolactone comes in tablet form. It is usually taken by mouth once or twice a day. In some cases, it may be taken every other day.
- You can take the medication with or without food.
- Spironolactone should be taken at the same time(s) each day to maintain an even level in your blood. However, some people do not need to take it every day, especially those who are taking it for fluid retention.
- Because spironolactone increases urination, it is best to take it the morning to avoid needing to get up to use the bathroom throughout the night. If you take the medication twice a day, try to take the last dose before 6 p.m., unless your healthcare provider instructs you otherwise.
- For spironolactone to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. The medication will not work if you stop taking it.
The dose of spironolactone your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be taking
- How you respond to the medication.
As with any medication, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
What If I Take an Overdose?
People who take too much spironolactone may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Rash
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Electrolyte imbalance.
If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Spironolactone Be Stored?
Spironolactone should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. The tablets should be kept in an airtight container.
Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your spironolactone as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Who Makes Spironolactone?
Brand-name spironolactone is made by Pfizer. Generic versions are made by a few different manufacturers.
Spironolactone tablets are available in the following strengths:
- Spironolactone 25 mg
- Spironolactone 50 mg
- Spironolactone 100 mg.
Currently, both brand-name and generic versions of spironolactone are licensed for sale
(see Generic Aldactone).
