SPIRONOLACTONE (speer on oh LAK tone) treats high blood pressure and heart failure. It may also be used to reduce swelling related to heart, kidney, or liver disease. It helps your kidneys remove more fluid and salt from your blood through the urine without losing too much potassium. It belongs to a group of medications called diuretics.
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Addison's disease or low adrenal gland function
High blood level of potassium
Kidney disease
Liver disease
An unusual or allergic reaction to spironolactone, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
Breast-feeding
How should I use this medication?
Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. You can take it with or without food. You should always take it the same way. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medication?
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
Cidofovir
Eplerenone
Tranylcypromine
This medication may also interact with the following:
Aspirin
Certain medications for blood pressure or heart disease, such as benazepril, lisinopril, losartan, valsartan
Certain medications that prevent or treat blood clots, such as heparin and enoxaparin
Cholestyramine
Cyclosporine
Digoxin
Lithium
Medications that relax muscles for surgery
NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, such as ibuprofen or naproxen
Other diuretics
Potassium salts or supplements
Steroid medications, such as prednisone or cortisone
Trimethoprim
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Dehydration—increased thirst, dry mouth, feeling faint or lightheaded, headache, dark yellow or brown urine
High potassium level—muscle weakness, fast or irregular heartbeat
Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
Low sodium level—muscle weakness, fatigue, dizziness, headache, confusion
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Breast pain or tenderness
Changes in sex drive or performance
Dizziness
Headache
Irregular menstrual cycles or spotting
Unexpected breast tissue growth
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure as directed. Know what your blood pressure should be and when to contact your care team.
Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are using this medication without asking your care team for advice. Some medications may increase your blood pressure.
Check with your care team if you have severe diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, or if you sweat a lot. The loss of too much body fluid may make it dangerous for you to take this medication.
You may need to be on a special diet while you are taking this medication. Ask your care team. Also, find out how many glasses of fluids you need to drink each day.
This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.
Avoid salt substitutes unless you are told otherwise by your care team.
Where should I keep my medication?
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store below 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put into the trash, take the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.
K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.
This information is educational only and should not be construed as specific instructions for individual patients nor as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about the information and instructions. K Health assumes no liability for any use or reliance on this information.
