Spironolactone Information

Type of medication: Spironolactone is a type of medication called a "potassium sparing" diuretic. Diuretics are used to remove a surplus of fluid from the body's bloodstream or tissues. It also acts as an aldosterone inhibitor (prevents salt retention), and is used to treat advanced heart failure when symptoms persist after other drug therapies are maximized. When it is used in this manner, it is not used as a diuretic to remove extra fluid from the body.

WHY is this drug prescribed?
Spironolactone is used to treat high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, kidney and liver disease and conditions in which there are abnormally low levels of potassium in the blood.

HOW and WHEN should spironolactone be taken?
Spironolactone comes in a tablet and is usually taken once or twice a day, depending on dosage. It should be taken with a meal or milk to increase absorption. Avoid eating excessive amounts of foods high in potassium such broccoli, spinach, salmon, citrus fruits, apples and bananas, as well as salt substitutes

The dosage of spironolactone varies from person to person. In heart failure treatment, only low doses are used. Follow the directions on the prescription label carefully. If there is any part that you do not understand, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Do not take any more or less than prescribed. Do not take it more often than prescribed. Even after you begin to feel better, NEVER stop taking spironolactone without first consulting your doctor as you could cause your condition to become worse.

What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow before using this drug?
Before taking spironolactone, tell your doctor:

If you are allergic to spironolactone, hydrochlorothiazide, or sulfa drugs.
If you are taking vitamins, herbals, dietary supplements, and other prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medications and especially if you are currently taking potassium supplements and ACE inhibitor medications such as Vasotec.
If you have or have ever had liver or kidney disease.
If you are having difficulty urinating or are unable to urinate
If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking spironolactone, call your doctor right away.

What SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS should I follow while using this drug?
Avoid hazardous activity such as driving until it is clear what effects spironolactone will have on you. It is important that your doctor checks your progress at regular intervals while you are taking spironolactone. If your condition does not improve, or becomes worse, tell your doctor. Take caution when exercising in hot weather.

Notify your doctor or dentist that you are taking spironolactone if you have a medical emergency and before you have surgery or a dental treatment.

What should I do IF I FORGET a dose?
If a dose is missed, simply take it as soon as possible. However, if it is close to when you are scheduled to take your next dose, simply skip the missed dose and proceed with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.

What are the common SIDE EFFECTS?
Although side effects from spironolactone are uncommon, they do occur. Call you doctor if any of the following symptoms become severe or do not go away:

Nausea
Headache
Low blood pressure
Constipation
Dizziness
Shortness of breath
Breast pain or tenderness (in men)

If you experience any other side effects that you think could be caused by this medication and/or are of concern to you, call your doctor.

When should I call my doctor?
Stop taking spironolactone and call your doctor immediately if the following symptoms occur:

Excessive sweating
Severe diarrhea
Vomiting
Problems urinating
Confusion
Numbness in hands, feet, or lips
Increased thirst

What STORAGE CONDITIONS are necessary for this drug?
Spironolactone should be kept in its original container, tightly sealed and away from children. It should be stored in room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom or near the kitchen sink). Never share your medication with anyone. Never take outdated medications. Some medication prescription labels list an expiration date. If such a date is not on your medication label or if you are unsure how old a medication is, call your pharmacy.