How to Use

To guarantee the safe use of Spironolactone, you should let your doctor know if you suffer from any of the following conditions:

• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Hyperkalemia (high levels of potassium in the blood)
• Adrenal gland disorder (Addison’s dsease)
• Allergic to spironolactone
• History of heart disease
• If you use a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), potassium supplements, hypertension medication, lithium, heparin, cholestryramine or any other diuretic medication.

Spironolactone should be used with a prescription. Follow the prescription label keenly. Frequent blood tests may be needed while using Spironolactone. This is done to ensure the drug is not causing any harm to your body.

If you are required to submit to a blood or urine test, let the doctor know you are on spironolactone. This drug can cause unusual results. Additionally, if you are scheduled for surgery, let your surgeon know, in good time, that you are using this medication. You may be required to stop using the drug for a short period of time.

When using spironolactone to treat blood pressure, you should continue using the drug even if you feel better. Don’t stop using the medicine without contact your doctor.

FDA Pregnancy Classification

Category C

It is unclear if the drug can cause harm to an unborn baby. Spironolactone can, however, pass into breast milk. Do not breastfeed while on this medication. 

Storage

Store at room temperature; way from light, heat and moisture.

Side Effects

Serious

• Signs of stomach bleeding
• High potassium
• Low sodium
• Symptoms of electrolyte imbalance

Common

• Nausea or mild vomiting
• Mild diarrhea
• Leg cramps
• Impotence; difficulty getting an erection
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Mild drowsiness

Safety

Spironolactone is not indicated for use by patients suffering from high levels of potassium in their blood, kidney disease, and adrenal gland disorder. You should also not take the drug if you have difficulty urinating and if you are using an eplerenone.

Some animal studies show Spironolactone can cause cancer or tumors. Contact your doctor regarding your risk factors.

Alcohol will worsen some side effects. Stay away from alcoholic drinks when using spironolactone. Salt substitutes or low-sodium milk and other products that contain potassium will cause the potassium levels to go up when used together with spironolactone. You should also avoid high-salt diets.

Interactions

Spironolactone has an interaction with 550 tested drugs. The drug also interacts with acidosis, electrolytes/fluid, liver disease, diabetes, renal dysfunction and hyperkalemia.