SPIRONOLACTONE

Written By:P. Thirumal ReddyB. Pharm Reviewed By:Dr. Tejashwin AdigaMBBS

Last updated on 31 Mar 2026 | 09:30 AM (IST)

SPIRONOLACTONE

Background and Date of approval SPIRONOLACTONE

The U.S. FDA approved spironolactone on 08/20/2001, to treat heart failure, hypertension and hypokalemia.

Uses of SPIRONOLACTONE

This medication is used in the treatment of heart failure and in hypertension (patient with high blood pressure). It is used to treat low potassium levels in the body which is otherwise known as hypokalemia and reduces the swelling (edema in the body).

How is SPIRONOLACTONE administered?

Spironolactone is available as a 5mg, 10mg, 20mg, 25mg, 50mg and 100mg tablet which can be consumed orally with food. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition.

Side Effects of SPIRONOLACTONE

The common side effects that are experienced while you are on the treatment with spironolactone are stomach pain, headache, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, leg cramps, hair loss, increase in creatinine levels in blood. Report your doctor immediately if you have skin rash, irregular heartbeat and breast pain.

Warnings

This medication is taken as per the advice of the doctor. You should not stop taking this medication when you feel better because it can cause the condition worse. If you are taking this medication for high blood pressure along with medication you have to follow lifestyle changes like exercising regularly and a low salt diet to increase the effectiveness of this medicine. Avoid consumption of alcohol as it increases the side effects of this medication.

Precautions

Before you start this medication, discuss the kidney, heart and liver diseases that you have had for a longer period of time. Tell about all the medications you are taking for different diseases and inform your doctor about your pregnancy or if you are planning for pregnancy and if you are a breastfeeding mother because it can cause harmful effects and birth defects in a developing child. Blood pressure and potassium levels should be checked regularly and kidney function tests should be monitored while taking this medication.

Word of Advice

It is suggested to tell your doctor if you have any history of allergic reactions to avoid life-threatening complications. Take this medication in the morning time as it causes frequent urination. Tell your doctor before the treatment commencement if you are pregnant or having heart, liver, kidney, or uterine problems and inform them about the medication that you are taking for different diseases as it may affect or affect other medications. While using this medication, kidney function tests should be monitored regularly. Blood pressure and potassium levels should be checked regularly. It’s important to take this medicine with food at the same time every day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1.

Is Spironolactone tablet a steroid?

Yes. Spironolactone tablet is a steroid which has oestrogen like effects on the effects of the hormone’s aldosterone and testosterone and it can also cause side effects like tenderness on breast for both men and women.

Q2.

Is Spironolactone tablet harmful for kidneys?

This medication can worsen the condition in the patients with low salt content in their body and in the patients who take other medications for blood pressure. So, consult your doctor before using this medication.

Q3.

Can Spironolactone tablet cause an increase in breast size?

Yes, it causes an increase in breast size in both females and male because it is the anti-androgenic hormone that inhibits the function of testosterone. It has oestrogen effects which is the reason for the enlargement of breast when it is used for a longer period of time.

Q4.

What does Spironolactone tablet do to hormones?

This medicine blocks the action of aldosterone which is the hormone released by the pituitary gland. As it causes decreased fluid and electrolyte balance it can lead to sodium retention which leads to high blood pressure and heart diseases.

Q5.

Does Spironolactone tablet cause frequent urination?

Yes, this medication causes frequent urination as it is a diuretic which is otherwise known as a water pill. It's better to take this medication during morning time in order to avoid disturbances during sleep at night time.

References

Pfizer, [Revised on Feb 2021] [Accessed on 11th Jan 2022], https://labeling.pfizer.com/ShowLabeling.aspx?format=PDF&id=520
Neal L. Benowitz, Antihypertensive Agents, Lange’s Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, 2018, 173-193.

Disclaimer

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.

;