Spironolactone Warnings, Side Effects, Uses & Dosage
Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic. It is used to treat high blood pressure, low potassium levels, and hypovolemia, as well as increase fluid retention. In this article we discuss the uses, dosage, and warnings of spironolactone and we also discuss the questions what is spironolactone, how does spironolactone work, and what are the side effects of spironolactone
What is Spironolactone?
Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic. It is used to treat high blood pressure, low potassium levels, and hypovolemia, as well as increase fluid retention. Spironolactone belongs to the classification of medications known as aldosterone receptor antagonists.
Uses of Spironolactone
Spironolactone can be used to treat high blood pressure, hypovolemia, and heart failure, as well as increase potassium levels.
How Does Spironolactone Work?
High blood pressure is a common condition that can cause serious damage to the brain, heart and blood vessels, and potentially cause a stroke, heart attack, or heart failure. Spironolactone lowers blood pressure by helping the kidneys filter unnecessary water and sodium from the body into urine.
What is Spironolactone Dosage?
Spironolactone dosage will vary for different patients and depends on age, weight, severity of disease, and type of disease treated. The recommended dosage for spironolactone ranges from 20mg to 100mg per day. Adults experiencing heart failure should begin by taking 20mg per day. Adults with edema should begin by taking 75mg per day of suspension or 100mg per day in tablets. For those with high blood pressure, anywhere from 25 to 100mg per day is recommended depending on doctor’s consultation.
Spironolactone is available as a tablet or suspension. As a tablet, spironolactone comes at strengths of 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg. As an oral suspension, it comes at a strength of 5mg/mL.
Spironolactone Side Effects
Spironolactone does have a number of side effects–some more serious than others.
Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Spironolactone include:
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Deepening of voice
- Increased hair growth in parts of the body
- Drowsiness
- Tiredness
- Restlessness
Serious Side Effects
More serious side effects of spironolactone may include:
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle pain
- Changes in heartbeat
- Confusion
- Lack of energy
- Lack of appetite
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Flu-like symptoms
- Rash
- Hives
- Itching
- Vomiting blood
- Blood in stools
- Fainting
Spironolactone Warnings
Spironolactone can cause muscle weakness, confusion, and inability to move arms or legs. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Changes in heartbeat
- Extreme tiredness
- Muscle pain, weakness, or cramps
- Inability to move arms or legs
Spironolactone Warnings, Uses, Dosage, Side Effects Summary
Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic used to treat high blood pressure, low potassium levels, and hypovolemia.
It can also increase fluid retention. Spironolactone lowers blood pressure by helping the kidneys filter unnecessary sodium and water from the body. It is available as a tablet or suspension at a number of different dosages.
