SpironolactoneOral - Drug Information and Side Effects on Drug3k.com


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Spironolactone images:

Overview

Photos

How To Use

Side Effects

Precautions

Missed Dose

Drug Interactions

Spironolactone

Uses
Spironolactone is used to treat high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. It is also used to treat swelling (edema) caused by certain conditions (e.g., congestive heart failure) by removing excess fluid and improving symptoms such as breathing problems.This medication is also used to treat low potassium levels and conditions in which the body is making too much of a natural chemical (aldosterone).Spironolactone is known as a "water pill" (potassium-sparing diuretic).This medication has also been used to treat excessive hair growth (hirsutism) in women with polycystic ovary disease.
Notes

Do not share this medication with others.Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., blood mineral levels, kidney or liver function tests) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects.
Consult your doctor for more details.If you are taking this medication for high blood pressure, lifestyle changes such as stress reduction programs, exercise, and dietary changes may increase the effectiveness of this medicine.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about lifestyle changes that might benefit you.Have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking this medication.
Discuss with your doctor and learn how to monitor your own blood pressure.
Inform your doctor of your blood pressure readings.

Storage

Store the US product at room temperature below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom.
Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

How To Use

Take this medication by mouth, as directed by your doctor.
If stomach upset occurs, take it with food or milk.
It is best to take your dose early in the day (before 6 p.m.) to prevent having to get up during the night to urinate.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.
In children, the dosage is also based on body weight.Take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it.
Remember to use it at the same time(s) each day as directed.
It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well.
Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.Take this medication exactly as prescribed.
Do not increase your dose, take it more often than prescribed, or stop using this medicine without first consulting your doctor.
Your condition may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped.Inform your doctor if your condition worsens (e.g., if you notice an increase in your routine blood pressure readings).

Side Effects

Drowsiness, lightheadedness, stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or headache may occur.
To minimize lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position.
If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: dizziness, increased thirst, change in the amount of urine, mental/mood changes, unusual fatigue/weakness, muscle spasms, menstrual period changes, breast enlargement (gynecomastia) in men, sexual function problems.This medication may lead to high levels of potassium, especially in patients with kidney problems.
If not treated, very high potassium levels can be fatal.
Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following unlikely but serious side effects: slow/irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), severe stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, dark urine, yellowing of the eyes/skin.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.
Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Before taking spironolactone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions.
Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: no urine output (anuria), severe kidney disease, high blood potassium (hyperkalemia).Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver or kidney problems, untreated mineral imbalance (e.g., low sodium).Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery.
Limit alcoholic beverages.This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.This drug breaks down into other products that pass into breast milk.
Therefore, breast-feeding while using this medication is not recommended.
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
Do not double the dose to catch up.

Drug Interactions

Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it.
Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.This drug should not be used with the following medication because very serious interactions may occur: eplerenone.If you are currently using the medication listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting spironolactone.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), certain hormones (ACTH), digoxin, lithium, mitotane, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, indomethacin), other diuretics that increase potassium (e.g., amiloride, triamterene).Other medications besides this medication which may increase your potassium levels include cyclosporine, tacrolimus, potassium supplements, ACE inhibitors (e.g., captopril, lisinopril) or ARBs (e.g., losartan, candesartan).
Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and continue medications for your condition as directed.
Limit foods high in potassium such as bananas, tomatoes, potatoes, low-salt milk, and salt substitutes.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, including diet recommendations.
It is important to keep all medical and laboratory appointments so your doctor can monitor your potassium levels regularly.Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products, diet aids, NSAIDs for pain/fever reduction) because they may contain ingredients that could increase your blood pressure or worsen swelling (edema).
Some nonprescription medicines that contains aspirin may decrease the effects of spironolactone.
Low-dose aspirin, as prescribed by your doctor for specific medical reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (usually these dosages are 81-325 milligrams per day) should be continued.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.This medication can affect the results of certain lab tests (e.g., digoxin or cortisol levels).
Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use this drug.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.