General Information
Uses
What should I know before taking this drug
Precautions
Dosage information
Adverse reactions
Storage
Additional information if any
Type: OTC/Prescription/schedule
Spironolactone is a prescription drug available from your pharmacy store only with the prescription of a qualified medical practitioner.
Spironolactone pronounced as: SPEER-oh-no-LAK-tone
Spironolactone is potassium sparing diuretic which helps in removing excess fluid from the body but preserving the body potassium.
Spironolactone is used in treatment of following conditions
- To reduce oedema due to Nephrotic syndrome etc
- In management of Ascites and oedema caused due to Hepatic Cirrhosis
- Hypertension
- Congestive heart failure
- Diagnosis and preoperative management of primary Hyperaldosteronism
- Hirusitism in women with Polycystic ovary disease
- Hypokalemia (low potassium) due to Diuretic therapy
- Take spironolactone exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If do not understand these instructions ask your pharmacist, nurse or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take oral dose of spironolactone preferably with meals to avoid gastric upset.
- Take plenty of oral fluid when on spironolactone.
- Spironolactone may increase the amount of urine or may increase the frequency to urinate more often. Therefore take spironolactone preferably during daytime to avoid waking up during night for urination.
- Do not take the medication in larger amounts or for longer duration than recommended by your doctor.
- Do not skip doses or stop taking spironolactone without consulting your doctor.
- Always remember to inform your health expert if you are currently taking any OTC or prescription drugs like,
- Cyclosporine (Immunosupressive)
- Potassium supplements
- ACE inhibitors like enlapril, captopril etc
- NSAIDs(Non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs) like aspirin, Ibuprofen, Diclofenac etc
- Corticosteroids like Prednisone
- Lithium (mood stabilizer)
- Digoxin
- Insulin or oral hypoglycaemic drugs
- Inform your doctor if you have following medical diseases , as Spironolactone should be used cautiously in these conditions
- Liver disease
- Acute or chronic renal failure
- Diabetes
- Addisons disease
- Electrolyte disturbance
Do not take spironolactone if you have difficult to pass the urine and if you are taking potassium supplements.
Children:
Old people:
Pregnant woman: Spironolactone belongs to FDA pregnancy category C. This means that spironolactone may harm an unborn baby if used during pregnancy but potential benefit may warrant use of the drug in pregnant woman despite potential risks. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning for conception.
Lactating women: It is not known whether spironolactone passes into breast milk or if it could harm the baby. Do not take spironolactone with out first talking to doctor if you are breast feeding a baby.
Other:
Take plenty of oral fluids when on spironolactone and avoid getting dehydrated due to extreme heat and exercise.
Spironolactone is available in the form of tablet.
Use as directed by your physician, your physician prescribes depending on the severity of disease.
Use the complete course of medication as prescribed by your physician even though you feel better after one or two days of usage of medication.
If it is almost the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at same time to cover up the missed dose.
In case of overdose contact your nearest poison control centre or emergency medical centre for immediate care by physician.
The overdose symptoms of Spironolactone are
- Very dry mouth , increased thirst
- Giddiness
- Nausea & vomiting
- Confusion, restlessness, irritability
Spironolactone may cause following side effects
- Abdominal cramps
- Drowsiness
- Nausea & vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Decrease in sexual interest or performance
- Increase urination
- Rashes
Consult your doctor immediately if notice following symptoms.
- Allergic reaction like swollen lips, hives, difficulty in breathing, rashes. Peeling of skin etc
- Breast enlargement in men
- Pain in the breast
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Increased thirst, dry mouth
- Muscle pain & weakness
- Slow irregular heart rate
- Fatigue
Store spironolactone at room temp (15 – 30 degrees C). Avoid excessive heat, moisture or direct sunlight, never store in the bathroom.
Keep it out of reach of children. Make sure that any leftover portion is disposed off safely.
- Spironolactone causes increase in potassium levels. Do not use any potassium containing salt substitutes as it lead to life threatening problems if untreated.
- Spironolactone causes dizziness and drowsiness. Hence avoid alcohol which may worsen this side effects and activities which requires you to be alert like driving, operating heavy machinery etc.
- Regular monitoring of body electrolytes especially serum Potassium is required when on Spironolactone to look for side effects.
- If you are diabetic on Spironolactone, keep a close watch on your blood glucose levels.
- Consult your doctor regularly for monitoring your blood pressure and also to look for any possible side effects.
It is imp to read manufacturing packaging instruction carefully if available and always do not hesitate to consult pharmacist or physician for any information.
Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date: Mar1st,09