IMPORTANT WARNING:   Return to top

Why is this medication prescribed?   Return to top

Spironolactone is used to treat certain patients with hyperaldosteronism (the body produces too much aldosterone, a naturally occurring hormone); low potassium levels; and in patients with edema (fluid retention) caused by various conditions, including heart, liver, or kidney disease. Spironolactone is also used alone or with other medications to treat high blood pressure. Spironolactone is in a class of medications called aldosterone receptor antagonists. It causes the kidneys to eliminate unneeded water and sodium from the body into the urine, but reduces the loss of potassium from the body.

How should this medicine be used?   Return to top

Spironolactone comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken once a day in the morning or sometimes twice a day . Take spironolactone at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take spironolactone exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Your doctor may start you on a low dose of spironolactone and gradually increase your dose.

Spironolactone controls high blood pressure and hyperaldosteronism, but does not cure these conditions.. It may take about 2 weeks or longer before the full effect of spironolactone occurs. Continue to take spironolactone even if you feel well. Do not stop taking spironolactone without talking to your doctor.

Other uses for this medicine   Return to top

Spironolactone also is used in combination with other medicines to treat precocious puberty (a condition causing children to enter puberty too soon, resulting in the development of sexual characteristics in girls usually younger than 8 years of age and in boys usually younger than 9 years of age) or myasthenia gravis (MG, a disease in which the nerves do not function properly and patients may experience weakness; numbness; loss of muscle coordination; and problems with vision, speech, and bladder control). Spironolactone also may be used to treat certain female patients with abnormal facial hair. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?   Return to top

Keep this medicine in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medicine that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medicine.

In case of emergency/overdose   Return to top

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

• drowsiness
• confusion
• rash
• nausea
• vomiting
• dizziness
• diarrhea
• tingling in arms and legs
• loss of muscle tone
• weakness or heaviness in legs
• confusion
• lack of energy
• cold, gray skin
• irregular or slow heartbeat

What other information should I know?   Return to top

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to spironolactone.

Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking spironolactone.

Do not let anyone else take your medicine. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Brand names   Return to top

Brand names of combination products   Return to top