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Spironolactone - Indications, Dosage, Side Effects and Precautions

Written & Compiled by Anushta Chandrapalan, M.Sc  | Medically Reviewed by The Medindia Medical Review Team
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Information about Spironolactone

Generic Name : Spironolactone
Pronunciation : speer on oh lak' tone
Latest prescription information about Spironolactone. Learn how to pronounce the drug's name, its indications, dosage, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, warnings and its storage instructions . Also listed are the International and Indian trade name(s) of the drug and its price list.
ICD Code : Y54.5 | Therapeutic Classification : Diuretics
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Trade Names/Brand Names of Spironolactone

India : 

More...

International : 

Aldactone
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Why is Spironolactone Prescribed? (Indications)

This medication is a potassium-sparing diuretic, prescribed for hyperaldosteronism, low potassium levels, and for edema (fluid retention) caused by various conditions. It works by blocking the hormone aldosterone.

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When should Spironolactone not be taken? (Contraindications)

Contraindicated in patients with anuria (absence of urination), and significant impairment of kidney function.

What is the dosage of Spironolactone?

Adult- PO- The recommended dose range is 50 to 400mg/day for 3 to 4 weeks.

How should Spironolactone be taken?

It comes as a tablet to take by mouth, with food.

What are the warnings and precautions for Spironolactone?

• Caution should be exercised in patients with history of changes in blood minerals, kidney, liver, or heart disease, diabetes or high level of urea or nitrogen in blood, any allergy, who are taking other medications, elderly, children, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

• It may cause dizziness or drowsiness, do not drive a car or operate machinery while taking this medication.

What are the side effects of Spironolactone?

   Gastrointestinal : Gastric bleeding, ulceration, stomach inflammation, diarrhea, cramping, nausea and vomiting.
   Genitourinary : Breast enlargement in male, absence of menstrual period, painful erection, irregular periods, breast cancer, kidney impairment and postmenopausal bleeding.
   Blood : Decrease in blood counts.
   Hypersensitivity : Fever, hives, shock, inflammation of veins and skin lesions.
   Metabolic : Elevated blood potassium level.
   Central Nervous system : Mental confusion, incoordination, headache, drowsiness and lethargy.
   Liver : Liver damage.

What are the other precautions for Spironolactone?

Avoid excess dosage.

What are the storage conditions for Spironolactone?

Store it at room temperature (25°C).


Schedule : H
Prescription drugs - Drugs to be sold only under the prescription of a Registered Medical Practitioner.
Learn more about Spironolactone's interaction with Food, Herbs and Alcohol



Spironolactone : Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is the best time of day to take Spironolactone?

A: Spironolactone belongs to the class of potassium-sparing diuretics (water pills). It helps remove excess fluids from the body, which can lead to frequent urination. Therefore, it is advisable to take this medication during the day to avoid waking up frequently at night to urinate (1 Trusted Source
Spironolactone

Go to source
).

Q: Is Spironolactone harmful to the kidneys?

A: Spironolactone can lead to acute kidney failure, especially in patients with impaired kidney function. As a result, it is important to let your doctor know if you have kidney-related problems because you may require a different dosage (2 Trusted Source
Long-Term Effects of Spironolactone on Kidney Function and Hyperkalemia-Associated Hospitalization in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

Go to source
).

Q: Does Spironolactone raise cholesterol levels?

A: Over a short course of treatment, spironolactone might have adverse effects on serum lipoprotein levels by increasing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and decreasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (3 Trusted Source
Short term effects of spironolactone on blood lipid profile: a 3-month study on a cohort of young women with hirsutism

Go to source
).

Q: Does Spironolactone cause breast enlargement?

A: Spironolactone is an anti-androgenic hormone that can inhibit the function of testosterone and male sex hormones. It has estrogen-like effects that lead to breast enlargement in males (4 Trusted Source
Spironolactone-Induced Unilateral Gynecomastia

Go to source
).

Q: Can Spironolactone help treat PCOD?

A:  Spironolactone can prevent or lessen PCOD symptoms in young females. It works by blocking the action of testosterone and thereby preventing coarse hair growth on the face, chest, and stomach (5 Trusted Source
Spironolactone as a single agent for long-term therapy of hirsute patients

Go to source
).

  • 1. Spironolactone - (https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682627.html )
  • 2. Long-Term Effects of Spironolactone on Kidney Function and Hyperkalemia-Associated Hospitalization in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6262621/ )
  • 3. Short term effects of spironolactone on blood lipid profile: a 3-month study on a cohort of young women with hirsutism - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19843067/ )
  • 4. Spironolactone-Induced Unilateral Gynecomastia - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5846220/ )
  • 5. Spironolactone as a single agent for long-term therapy of hirsute patients - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10792338/ )
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Comments should be on the topic and should not be abusive. The editorial team reserves the right to review and moderate the comments posted on the site.

Comments

ramdass, India

nice ...i like your way out...it gives a clear information....can u tell whether this drug has any such specification about its dose,either to take in morning or night?

SueJackson, United Kingdom

My 87 year old mother was prescribed this (along with her usual water tablet) for fluid retention to both lungs and legs. The medication reduced the symptoms dramatically but unforunateley the side effects left her very confused with short term memory loss. The doctor has now taken her off the tablet and her mental state much improved but after just a week we have noticed her legs starting to swell again. is there an alternative, sililar product that does not have the same side effect?

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