Spironolactone: Uses, How It Works, Medicines
Also in: हिन्दी தமிழ் मराठी తెలుగు ಕನ್ನಡ বাংলা ગુજરાતી മലയാളം ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
Spironolactone is a prescription 'water tablet' that removes extra fluid but keeps potassium in the body. It is used for swelling from fluid build-up, for heart failure, and for high blood pressure when other medicines have not worked. It can raise the potassium level in the blood, so blood tests are needed. It should only be started or stopped on a doctor's advice.
Also known as: Spironolactone tablet, Spironolactone 25 mg, Spironolactone 50 mg, Aldactone, Water tablet
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
How does Spironolactone work?
Spironolactone blocks the receptor for aldosterone, a hormone that makes the kidneys hold on to salt and water and give up potassium. More salt and water then leave in the urine while potassium is kept, which reduces extra fluid and can lower blood pressure.
How to take Spironolactone
Follow the label or your doctor's advice. Spironolactone is usually taken with food or just after, once or twice a day. Your doctor decides the dose and how long you need it.
Side effects of Spironolactone
Most people take spironolactone without serious problems. Some side effects are common and mild, but a few need medical help.
Uncommon or mild
- Dizziness
- Feeling sick
- Muscle or leg cramps
- Tiredness
- Breast pain or enlargement, including in men
Rare but serious: get medical help
- Swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing (a severe allergic reaction). Get medical help immediately
- High potassium in the blood: weakness, tingling or an irregular heartbeat
- Yellow skin or eyes
- Passing much less urine
- Blistering skin with flu-like symptoms. Get medical help immediately
Who should be careful
Some people need to check with a doctor before taking spironolactone, or need extra care while taking it.
When the label says not to use it
- Allergy to spironolactone or any ingredient of the tablet
- Severe kidney problems or being unable to pass urine
- Addison's disease or a past high potassium level
- Severe kidney problems, or being unable to pass urine
- Addison's disease, or a past high potassium level
- Liver problems
- Pregnancy: it is not usually recommended. Breastfeeding: ask your doctor first
- Potassium supplements, potassium-rich foods and salt substitutes
Medicines and things that interact with Spironolactone
Spironolactone can change how other medicines work, and some medicines change its effect. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you take, including herbal remedies and painkillers bought over the counter.
- Potassium supplements and salt substitutes
- ACE inhibitors such as ramipril, and other medicines that raise potassium
- Eplerenone
- Digoxin
- NSAID painkillers such as ibuprofen and diclofenac
If someone takes too much
One extra tablet by mistake is unlikely to cause problems, but more than prescribed can be dangerous. If someone has taken more than prescribed, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital and take the medicine pack with you.
Regulatory status in India
Approved for sale in India as a prescription medicine. Single-ingredient spironolactone is not on the CDSCO list of medicines banned under section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Fixed-dose combinations that contain it with other medicines may be treated differently, so check the ingredient list on the pack.
Type of medicine
Spironolactone belongs to this type of medicine.
Medicines that contain Spironolactone
These medicines sold in India contain Spironolactone. They are listed A to Z, not ranked.
- Aldactone 25 · 25 mg tablet
What is Spironolactone used for?
Medicines that contain Spironolactone are used for these conditions.
Common questions
What is spironolactone used for?
Spironolactone is a prescription water tablet used for swelling from fluid build-up, for heart failure, and for high blood pressure when other medicines have not worked well enough. A doctor decides whether it suits you.
Why does spironolactone need blood tests?
It can raise the potassium level in the blood and affect the kidneys. High potassium can cause weakness or an irregular heartbeat, so doctors check blood tests from time to time. Follow your doctor's advice.
Can I eat bananas or use salt substitutes with spironolactone?
Bananas, avocados and low-sodium salt substitutes are rich in potassium and can push the level too high. Ask your doctor or a dietitian what is right for you before changing your diet.
Can spironolactone cause breast enlargement?
Breast pain or enlargement is a known common side effect, including in men. Tell your doctor if it troubles you. Do not stop the medicine on your own.
Is spironolactone the same as furosemide?
No. Both are water tablets, but they act differently. Spironolactone keeps potassium in the body, while furosemide can lower it. Doctors sometimes prescribe both. Take each exactly as prescribed.
Sources
- Spironolactone: a medicine to remove excess fluid. NHS (UK)
- Heart failure. NHS (UK)
- ATC/DDD Index: C03DA01 spironolactone. WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology
- List of drugs prohibited for manufacture and sale through gazette notifications under section 26A of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act 1940. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)