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Spironolactone

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Description

Spironolactone is a diuretic which is used to control high blood pressure and edema. It is usually taken once daily, preferably in the daytime to prevent sleep disturbances. Frequent monitoring of blood pressure and electrolytes level is necessary.
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Side effects

Major & minor side effects for Spironolactone

Stomach pain

Dizziness

Irregular heartbeat

Headache

Skin rash

Gynecomastia

Leg cramps

Nausea and Vomiting

Breast pain

Hair loss

Uses of Spironolactone

What is it prescribed for?

Primary Hyperaldosteronism

Spironolactone is used in the treatment of Primary Hyperaldosteronism which is a hormonal disorder that causes an increase in the blood pressure.

Congestive Heart Failure

Spironolactone is used in the treatment of congestive heart failure by preventing the water reabsorption.

Hypertension

Spironolactone is used in the treatment of hypertension by inhibiting the water reabsorption and reduces the blood volume.

Hypokalemia

Spironolactone is used in the treatment of hypokalemia by increasing the potassium levels.
Concerns

Commonly asked questions

  • Onset of action

    The effect of this medicine can be observed in 2 to 4 hours.

  • Duration of effect

    The effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 2 to 3 days.

  • Safe with alcohol?

    Consumption of alcohol is not recommended while you are taking this medicine. It may increase the risk of dizziness and fainting. Avoid performing activities that need mental alertness like operating machinery or driving a vehicle.

  • Is it habit forming?

    No habit forming tendency has been reported.

  • Usage in pregnancy?

    This medicine is not recommended for pregnant women unless necessary. The benefits and risks should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.

  • Usage while breast-feeding?

    This medicine is recommended in pregnant women only if necessary. The benefits and risks should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.

Allergy

Not recommended in patients with known allergy to Spironolactone.

Anuria

This medicine is not recommended in patients with condition Anuria (a condition wherein the kidney is unable to produce urine).

Warnings for special population

Pregnancy

This medicine is not recommended for pregnant women unless necessary. The benefits and risks should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.

Breast-feeding

This medicine is recommended in pregnant women only if necessary. The benefits and risks should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.

General warnings

Potassium supplements

This medicine will increase the potassium levels in the blood. Therefore, it is advised to avoid potassium-rich foods (potatoes, banana) and medicines that can increase the potassium levels (ACE inhibitors and potassium supplements).

Diabetes

This medicine is not recommended in patients with diabetes due to increase in the potassium levels and increases the risk of irregular heart rhythm.

Missed Dose

The missed dose should be taken as soon possible. It is advisable to skip the missed dose if it's already time for your next scheduled dose.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.

Interaction with Alcohol

Description

Consumption of alcohol with Spironolactone may further reduce the blood pressure due to the additive effect.

Instructions

Consumption of alcohol is not recommended while you are taking this medicine. It may increase the risk of dizziness and fainting. Avoid performing activities that need mental alertness like operating machinery or driving a vehicle.

Interaction with Medicine

Metformin

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI's)

Disease interactions

Electrolyte imbalance

This medicine is not recommended in patients with electrolytes imbalance. Electrolytes levels should be corrected before starting the treatment. Monitoring of potassium, sodium and other electrolytes levels is necessary.

Impaired kidney function

This medicine is not recommended in patients with the kidney disease. The kidney function should be assessd before starting the treatment. Any signs of increase in the potassium levels should be informed to the doctor.

Food interactions

Information not available.

Lab interactions

Information not available.
This is not an exhaustive list of possible drug interactions. You should consult your doctor about all the possible interactions of the drugs you’re taking.
Take Spironolactone as advised by your doctor. Do not take in larger amounts than prescribed. Take this medicine at day time to prevent sleep disturbance. Drink adequate amount of water. Monitoring of kidney function and electrolytes level is necessary. This medicine should be used with caution due to the risk of dizziness.

Miscelleneous

Can be taken with or without food, as advised by your doctor

To be taken as instructed by doctor

Does not cause sleepiness

How it works

It works by increasing the excretion of water and sodium and reduces the blood pressure.

Legal Status

Approved

Approved

Approved

Approved

Classification

Category

Potassium-sparing diuretics

Schedule

Schedule H

[Internet]. 2017 [cited 5 June 2017]. Available from:

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/27264

DailyMed - Spironolactone tablet, film coated [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 5 June 2017]. Available from:

https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=a7510768-8a52-4230-6aa0-b0d92d82588f

Prescribing medicines in pregnancy database [Internet]. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). 2017 [cited 5 June 2017]. Available from:

https://www.tga.gov.au/prescribing-medicines-pregnancy-database#searchname

[Internet]. Toxnet.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 5 June 2017]. Available from:

https://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/search2/f?./temp/~h5gwH6:1
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Information on this page was last updated on 8 Jan 2018

Disclaimer

We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.