Spironolactone belongs to the class of medications known as diuretics (water pills). It is used to treat edema (fluid retention) that occurs with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, and nephrotic syndrome. It is also used to treat high blood pressure and to diagnose and treat primary hyperaldosteronism (a condition where too much aldosterone is produced by the adrenal glands).

Spironolactone can also be used to treat or prevent hypokalemia (too little potassium in the body) when other methods are not appropriate. Spironolactone works by making the body lose excess water and salt but reduces the loss of potassium from the body.

This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

The recommended dose of spironolactone for adults ranges from 25 mg to 400 mg daily depending on the condition being treated. It may be taken in single or divided doses.

Spironolactone has not been approved for use by Health Canada to treat children less than 18 years of age. It has, however, been used to treat pediatric patients with edema (fluid retention) associated with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, or nephrotic syndrome. The daily dose is based on body weight and is given in single or divided doses.

Since this medication increases urine output, it is better to take it early in the day (with breakfast if you are taking a once-daily dose, or with breakfast and lunch if you are taking divided doses). Spironolactone may be taken with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take the medication with food.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from heat and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

25 mg
Each cream-coloured, round, biconvex, compressed tablet, and with a peppermint odour, engraved "N" on one side and "2|5" on the reverse, contains spironolactone 25 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: D&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C Yellow No. 6, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, natural peppermint flavour, sodium lauryl sulfate, and sodium starch glycolate. Gluten- and tartrazine-free.

100 mg
Each cream-coloured, round, biconvex tablet, and with a peppermint odour, engraved "N|N" on one side and "100" on the reverse, contains spironolactone 100 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: D&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C Yellow No. 6, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, natural peppermint flavour, sodium lauryl sulfate, and sodium starch glycolate. Tartrazine-free.

Do not take this medication if you:

• are allergic to spironolactone or any ingredients of the medication
• are unable to produce urine
• have Addison's disease
• have high blood levels of potassium
• have rapidly worsening kidney function
• have significantly reduced kidney function
• are using eplerenone, heparin, or a low molecular weight heparin
• are pregnant
• are breast-feeding

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• abdominal pain and cramps
• constipation
• decreased interest in sexual activity
• decreased sexual ability
• diarrhea
• dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when rising from a lying or sitting position
• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• fatigue
• frequent urination
• headache
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• spinning sensation
• swollen glands in the mouth
• thirst
• vomiting

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• confusion
• enlarged or painful breasts
• fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
• fever
• increased infections
• irregular menstrual period
• muscle weakness or cramps
• pins and needles sensation
• rapid weight loss
• shortness of breath
• signs of anemia (low red blood cells; e.g., dizziness, pale skin, unusual tiredness or weakness, shortness of breath)
• signs of bleeding (e.g., unusual nosebleeds, bruising, blood in urine, coughing blood, bleeding gums, cuts that don't stop bleeding)
• signs and symptoms of imbalance of water, sodium or potassium in the body (e.g., muscle pain or cramps, weakness, irregular heartbeat)
• signs of kidney problems (e.g., increased urination at night, decreased urine production, blood in the urine, swelling, fatigue, abdominal pain)
• signs of liver problems (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools)
• signs of low potassium levels in the blood (e.g., weakness, fatigue, muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat)
• signs of pancreatitis (e.g., abdominal pain on the upper left side, back pain, nausea, fever, chills, rapid heartbeat, swollen abdomen)
• skin rash
• symptoms of high blood sugar (e.g., frequent urination, increased thirst, excessive eating, unexplained weight loss, poor wound healing, infections, fruity breath odour)
• symptoms of stomach ulcer (e.g., heartburn, stomach pain, loss of appetite, weight loss)

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• chest pain
• signs of a severe allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing; hives; or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat
• signs of a severe skin reaction (e.g., blistering, peeling, a rash covering a large area of the body, a rash that spreads quickly, or a rash combined with fever or discomfort)
• signs of stomach bleeding such as vomiting of blood, stomach pain, black and tarry stools

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Breast enlargement in men: Men may develop breast enlargement with the use of spironolactone. If this occurs, tell your doctor. In the great majority of cases, breast enlargement disappears once the medication is stopped.

Drowsiness and dizziness: Spironolactone may cause drowsiness or dizziness, affecting your ability to drive or operate machinery.

Avoid these and other hazardous tasks until you have determined how this medication affects you. This medication may also cause dizziness or lightheadedness when moving from lying or sitting to an upright position.

Alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this medication.

Fluid and electrolyte balance: Spironolactone may cause the levels of electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and chloride in the blood to change while taking this medication. If you experience symptoms of fluid and electrolyte imbalance such as muscle pains or cramps; dry mouth; numb hands, feet, or lips; or racing heartbeat, contact your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor the levels of these electrolytes in your blood while you are taking this medication.

Liver function: Small changes to electrolytes and fluid in the body can cause large changes to liver function. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking this medication.

Potassium: This medication may cause high potassium levels if potassium intake is too high. Do not take potassium supplements, follow a diet rich in potassium, or use salt substitutes containing potassium while taking spironolactone. People with reduced kidney function, seniors, and people with diabetes are more at risk of developing high potassium levels.

Pregnancy: Spironolactone crosses the placenta and may affect the developing baby if taken during pregnancy. This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication talk to your doctor about the potential benefits and risks of taking this medication during pregnancy.

Breast-feeding: This medication passes into breast milk. If you are breast-feeding and taking spironolactone, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children.

Seniors: Seniors may be more likely to experience side effects with this medication. Lower doses may be needed.

For a full list of interactions, use the Drug Interaction Checker available on the Drugs.com website.

If you are taking other medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.