Overview Of Spironolactone

Spironolactone is a type of diuretic used to treat conditions such as heart failure and high blood pressure. This medication is available by prescription, and patients take it daily. Spironolactone tablets come in strengths of twenty-five, fifty, and one hundred milligrams. The drug can be taken as an oral solution as well. When spironolactone is taken for the treatment of high blood pressure, most patients start with an initial dose of fifty to one hundred milligrams per day. The standard dose for the treatment of congestive heart failure is twenty-five to fifty milligrams. Spironolactone should be used with caution in patients who have liver issues, and it is not recommended for individuals with acute renal insufficiency or anuria.

The uses, side effects, precautions, and drug interactions associated with spironolactone are discussed below.

How It Works

Spironolactone belongs to a group of medications known as potassium-sparing diuretics, and it is also considered to be an aldosterone receptor antagonist. The medication works by blocking the action of aldosterone. It accomplishes this by binding to certain receptors in the kidneys that rely on aldosterone to regulate the body's balance of salt and water. When aldosterone is blocked, higher levels of sodium and other salts can be excreted through the kidneys and removed from the body through urination. As the salt exits the body, it takes water along with it, and excess fluid is also removed from the body. In this way, the medication lowers blood pressure and reduces fluid retention.

Uncover the uses and benefits of spironolactone next.

Spironolactone Uses And Benefits

Spironolactone is used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and edema. It is also used in the treatment of patients with low potassium, and doctors may choose to prescribe it for patients who have cirrhosis of the liver. It can be beneficial for individuals with a kidney condition called nephrotic syndrome as well, and it may be recommended for the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that cause elevated levels of aldosterone too. In addition to these uses, spironolactone might be considered for 'off-label' usage in the treatment of acne, male-pattern baldness, and hirsutism. Female patients may be prescribed this medication to manage symptoms associated with pre-menstrual syndrome, and dermatologists could also consider spironolactone in the treatment of hair loss in women.

Get familiar with the potential side effects linked to spironolactone next.

Potential Side Effects

Patients taking spironolactone could experience side effects that range from mild to severe. Some of the most frequently reported side effects of this medication include stomach irritation and elevated potassium. Less commonly, spironolactone could cause headaches, dizziness, and low levels of magnesium or sodium in the blood. Some patients have noticed breast enlargement while taking this medicine, and the drug may affect sexual function. While using this medicine, patients should let their doctor know immediately if they develop chest pain, bloody stools, clay-colored stools, bleeding gums, or constipation. They should also seek prompt medical care if they notice swallowing difficulties, cloudy urine, blurred vision, dimpling of the breast skin, or nipple discharge while taking spironolactone. In rare cases, this medicine can cause a potentially life-threatening condition known as Stevens-Johnson syndrome. This condition causes the skin to blister and peel, and blisters also form inside the body. Patients who use spironolactone should monitor their skin and report any skin pain, rashes, welts, sores, or blisters to their doctor immediately.

Learn about precautions to remember when considering taking spironolactone next.

Precautions to Remember

Spironolactone should not be used by patients who have Addison's disease or hyperkalemia (high potassium). It is not appropriate for use in individuals who are unable to urinate, and it should not be given to patients taking eplerenone. Before this medication is prescribed, patients need to let their doctor know about any history of electrolyte imbalances, kidney disease, liver disease, or cardiovascular disease. In animal studies, spironolactone has caused tumors, and patients should discuss their personal cancer risk with their physician before starting this medication. Individuals who are pregnant should discuss the potential risks and benefits of spironolactone with their doctor as well. Spironolactone can pass into breastmilk, and patients who are breastfeeding should not use the drug.

Although spironolactone can be taken with or without food, patients need to take it the same way each time. This medicine may cause unusual changes in blood test results, and patients should let all of their doctors know they are taking spironolactone. Frequent blood tests are usually required during treatment with spironolactone. Patients who need to have surgery should check with their medical team about if they need to stop taking spironolactone for a few days before the operation. Alcohol may increase the effects of spironolactone, and patients should not consume it during their treatment. A low-sodium diet may be necessary while taking this medicine, and patients should avoid using salt substitutes or low-sodium dairy products that contain potassium. Patients should get up slowly from a sitting or lying position to reduce the risk of dizziness during spironolactone treatment.

Learn about the potential medication interactions next.

Potential Medication Interactions

Spironolactone is known to have potential medication interactions with more than 330 drugs. Serious interactions may occur if spironolactone is taken with other potassium-sparing diuretics or aldosterone receptor antagonists. Other serious interactions could occur if this medicine is used together with aldosterone antagonists, trimethoprim, mitotane, cyclosporin, or tacrolimus. Spironolactone should never be taken with potassium supplements as this could cause serious side effects. Moderate drug interactions have been reported in patients who use spironolactone with some types of ACE inhibitors and certain vasodilators. Moderate interactions may also occur if patients use this medicine with lithium, apomorphine, digoxin, drospirenone, zoledronic acid, moexipril, or tizanidine. Patients should let their doctor know about all of the over-the-counter medicines, prescriptions, vitamins, and supplements they use. They should ask their physician to check their medication list for potential interactions before prescribing spironolactone. They should also ask their pharmacist to double-check for potential medication interactions before dispensing this drug.