Overview Of Spironolactone

Potential Side Effects

Patients taking spironolactone could experience side effects that range from mild to severe. Some of the most frequently reported side effects of this medication include stomach irritation and elevated potassium. Less commonly, spironolactone could cause headaches, dizziness, and low levels of magnesium or sodium in the blood. Some patients have noticed breast enlargement while taking this medicine, and the drug may affect sexual function. While using this medicine, patients should let their doctor know immediately if they develop chest pain, bloody stools, clay-colored stools, bleeding gums, or constipation. They should also seek prompt medical care if they notice swallowing difficulties, cloudy urine, blurred vision, dimpling of the breast skin, or nipple discharge while taking spironolactone. In rare cases, this medicine can cause a potentially life-threatening condition known as Stevens-Johnson syndrome. This condition causes the skin to blister and peel, and blisters also form inside the body. Patients who use spironolactone should monitor their skin and report any skin pain, rashes, welts, sores, or blisters to their doctor immediately.

Learn about precautions to remember when considering taking spironolactone next.

Precautions to Remember

Spironolactone should not be used by patients who have Addison's disease or hyperkalemia (high potassium). It is not appropriate for use in individuals who are unable to urinate, and it should not be given to patients taking eplerenone. Before this medication is prescribed, patients need to let their doctor know about any history of electrolyte imbalances, kidney disease, liver disease, or cardiovascular disease. In animal studies, spironolactone has caused tumors, and patients should discuss their personal cancer risk with their physician before starting this medication. Individuals who are pregnant should discuss the potential risks and benefits of spironolactone with their doctor as well. Spironolactone can pass into breastmilk, and patients who are breastfeeding should not use the drug.

Although spironolactone can be taken with or without food, patients need to take it the same way each time. This medicine may cause unusual changes in blood test results, and patients should let all of their doctors know they are taking spironolactone. Frequent blood tests are usually required during treatment with spironolactone. Patients who need to have surgery should check with their medical team about if they need to stop taking spironolactone for a few days before the operation. Alcohol may increase the effects of spironolactone, and patients should not consume it during their treatment. A low-sodium diet may be necessary while taking this medicine, and patients should avoid using salt substitutes or low-sodium dairy products that contain potassium. Patients should get up slowly from a sitting or lying position to reduce the risk of dizziness during spironolactone treatment.

Learn about the potential medication interactions next.