It is a potassium sparing diuretic, which means it blocks a certain hormone’s action which allows for more fluid and less potassium to pass through the kidney.
spironolactone
This medicine is used for oedema (swelling) associated with congestive heart failure (heart disorder), hepatic ascites (fluid in abdomen due to liver disorder) and kidney disease where potasssium supplement is required.
Contradications
Please consult your doctor before taking this medicine if you have anuria (kidneys unable to produce urine), renal failure (kidney disorder) or hyperkalaemia(high level of potassium).Side effects
Patients taking this medicine may experience gynaecomastia(hormone imbalance), GI upset (upset stomach), rash, drowsiness, headache, or confusion. Please consult your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.FAQs
What type of a drug is spironolactone and what does it do?
Can it be taken with captopril?
Captopril is an ACE inhibitor and research suggests that it interacts with spironolactone. It is recommended that you refrain from the use of these two drugs together because it can cause hyperkalemia (increased potassium levels in blood).
Is this drug used to treat acne?
Yes, has been used at lower doses to treat acne in females by combining it with an oral contraceptive. However, it is not a quick fix and isn’t recommended as a treatment yet and should only be taken if advised by your doctor.
Why is this drug not used in males?
It is not recommended to be used in males because it makes the skin less responsive to androgens and feminizes a man. A common side effect of this drug in males is gynaecomastia (enlargement of breasts).
Are irregular periods a side effect of this drug?
Yes, irregular periods are a common side effect of this drug. Please consult your doctor if you are experiencing this side effect.
Can this medicine be crushed?
There is no harm in crushing the tablet for swallowing if required, however it is best to take it whole with water.
Can this medicine treat hirsutism (excessive hair growth)?
Yes, it has been used as a treatment for hirsutism because it decreases testosterone levels. Please do not use this drug to treat hirustism unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
Can I take this medicine while taking indomethacin?
When indomethacin is used, it increases the diuretic effect of spironolactone and together they may cause an increase in the potassium levels in the blood. Let your doctor know if you are on indomethacin before starting treatment with this drug.
Can this drug cause decrease in the effect of an oral contraceptive?
It does not reduce the efficacy of your birth control/OCP. When taken with it, it helps in reducing hormonal acne and hirsutism in women.
Is hyponatremia an adverse effect of this drug?
Yes, it has been reported to cause hyponatremia (very low amounts of sodium in blood). Please consult your doctor if you are suffering from the signs and symptoms of hyponatremia which are lethargy, restlessness, muscle weakness, confusion, irritability, drowsiness or fatigue.
Is this drug both a steroid and a diuretic?
Yes, it is both a potassium sparing diuretic which helps in the excretion of excess fluids from the body and a synthetic steroid which works by blocking the effect of mainly the hormone aldosterone; and testosterone as well.
Can this drug cause cancer?
Spironolactone raises the risk of breast cancer in women. Talk to your doctor if you have a family history of cancer or have any concerns related to this side effect.
Can this drug alter my estrogen levels?
It has not been reported to cause any increase or decrease in the estrogen levels. Being a synthetic steroid, it blocks the effects of aldosterone and testosterone; in turn producing effects that are very similar to those of the hormone progesterone.
Medicines containing spironolactone
Rs.132.32
Rs.330.19
