spironolactone

Brand names: Spironolactone

# Spironolactone: What You Need to Know Spironolactone is a water pill that helps your body get rid of extra salt and water. Doctors prescribe it mainly to treat high blood pressure and to help your heart work better when it's weakened. It works by blocking a chemical in your body that normally tells your kidneys to hold onto salt and water. By reducing salt and water buildup, the medicine helps lower blood pressure and reduces stress on your heart. It comes in tablet form and your doctor will tell you how much to take based on your condition. Since spironolactone affects how your body handles salt and other minerals, there are some important safety things to know. Never take this medicine with other drugs that increase potassium levels without talking to your doctor first, because too much potassium in your blood can be dangerous. You should also avoid certain common medications like some pain relievers and blood thinners, as they can interfere with how well spironolactone works. Tell your doctor about all medicines you're taking, including over-the-counter drugs, and report any unusual weakness, tiredness, or irregular heartbeat right away. Your doctor may need to check your blood regularly to make sure the medicine is working safely for you.

Known Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Agents increasing serum potassium: Concomitant administration can lead to hyperkalemia ( 5.1 , 7.1 ). Lithium: Increased risk of lithium toxicity ( 7.2 ). NSAIDs: May reduce the diuretic, natriuretic and antihypertensive effect of spironolactone ( 7.3 ). Digoxin: spironolactone can interfere with radioimmunologic assays of digoxin exposure ( 7.4) . Cholestyramine: Hyperkalemic metabolic acidosis has been reported with concomitant use ( 7.5 ). Acetylsalicylic Acid (ASA): ASA may reduce the efficacy of spironolactone ( 7.6 ) Abiraterone: May increase prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels ( 7.7 ). 7.1 Drugs and Supplements Increasing Serum Potassium Concomitant administration of spironolactone with potassium supplementation or drugs that can increase potassium may lead to severe hyperkalemia. In general, discontinue potassium supplementation in heart failure patients who start spironolactone [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Chec

Source: FDA-approved drug labeling via openFDA

Most Reported Side Effects (FAERS)

  • DYSPNOEA10,465 reports
  • FATIGUE8,229 reports
  • NAUSEA7,868 reports
  • DIARRHOEA7,472 reports
  • ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY6,792 reports
  • DIZZINESS6,274 reports
  • HEADACHE5,905 reports
  • HYPOTENSION5,841 reports
  • OFF LABEL USE5,588 reports
  • DRUG INEFFECTIVE5,231 reports

Source: FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Voluntary reports do not establish causation.

Check interactions with spironolactone:

SafeCheck provides drug interaction information from FDA-approved product labeling (openFDA). This is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making medication decisions.