In lab animals, spirolactone has induced tumours. The risks and advantages of using this medicine for your illness should be discussed with your doctor.

Spironolactone is used to treat some individuals with hyperaldosteronism (an overproduction of the hormone aldosterone), low potassium levels, heart failure, and edoema (fluid retention) brought on by a variety of diseases, such as liver or kidney illness. It is also used to treat high blood pressure, either on its alone or in combination with other drugs. Aldosterone receptor antagonists are a group of drugs that includes spirolactone. It increases the amount of potassium lost from the body while encouraging the kidneys to excrete more water and sodium into the urine.

High blood pressure is a common illness that, if left untreated, can harm the kidneys, brain, heart, blood vessels, and other organs. Heart disease, a heart attack, heart failure, a stroke, renal failure, eyesight loss, and other issues may result from damage to these organs. Making lifestyle modifications will help you control your blood pressure in addition to taking medication. These adjustments include quitting smoking, drinking alcohol in moderation, eating a diet low in fat and salt, keeping a healthy weight, and exercising for at least 30 minutes most days.

Spironolactone is available as a liquid suspension (Carospir) and tablet for oral consumption. Typically, it is consumed once or twice a day. Consistently take spironolactone suspension either with or without food. Spironolactone should be taken every day at roughly the same time(s). Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any instructions on your prescription label that you are unsure about following. Spironolactone should be taken as prescribed. Never take it in larger or less amounts or more frequently than directed by your doctor.

Before each use, thoroughly shake the oral suspension to combine the drug.

Your physician might prescribe you a modest dose of spironolactone and then gradually increase it.

Tablets and suspension form of spirolactone release the drug differently in your body and cannot be interchanged. Do not change to a different spironolactone product unless your doctor instructs you to, and only take the spironolactone your doctor has prescribed.

Spironolactone does not treat hyperaldosteronism, heart failure, edoema, high blood pressure, or edoema. Before spironolactone has full action, it could take up to two weeks. Spironolactone should still be used even if you feel OK. Without consulting your doctor, do not stop taking spironolactone.

Spironolactone is also used in conjunction with other medications to treat myasthenia gravis and precocious puberty, a condition that causes children to reach puberty too early and causes the development of sexual characteristics in girls and boys who are typically younger than 8 and 9 years old, respectively (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). Some female patients with atypical facial hair may also be treated with spirolactone. Discuss the potential dangers of using this medicine for your illness with your doctor.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details if you’re interested in using this drug for any other conditions.

Before taking spironolactone,

• If you have an allergy to spironolactone, any other drugs, or any of the substances in spironolactone pills, tell your doctor right away. Request a list of the components from your pharmacist.
• Informing your physician that you are taking eplerenone (Inspra). If you are taking this drug, your doctor might advise against using spironolactone.
• Inform your doctor and pharmacist about any vitamins, nutritional supplements, herbal items, and prescription and over-the-counter medicines you are now taking or intend to take. Any of the following should be mentioned: antibiotics known as aminoglycosides, include tobramycin (Tobi), gentamicin, kanamycin, neomycin (Neo-Rx), and streptomycin; benazepril, captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, moexipril, perindopril, quinapril, ramipril, and trandolapril are examples of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Benazepril is found in Lotrel, Capoten, and Enalapril is found in Vasotec.ARBs (angiotensin receptor blockers) include angiotensin II antagonists such as losartan (Cozaar, in Hyzaar), eprosartan (Teveten, in Teveten HCT), irbesartan (Avapro, in Avalide), and azilsartan (Edarbi, in Edarbyclor) (Benicar, in Azor, Benicar HCT, Tribenzor), Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) including ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), indomethacin (Indocin, Tivorbex), and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn); telmisartan (Micardis, in Micardis HCT); valsartan (Diovan, in Diovan HCT, Exforge); barbiturates such phenobarbit; diuretics (often known as “water pills”), such as potassium-sparing diuretics such amiloride (Midamor) and triamterene (Dyrenium, in Dyazide, in Maxzide); cholestyramine (Prevalite); cisplatin; digoxin (Lanoxin); heparin or low-molecular-weight heparin enoxaparin (Lovenox); lithium (Lithobid), drugs to lower blood pressure, opioid painkillers, oral steroids including dexamethasone, methylprednisolone (Medrol), and prednisone (Rayos), potassium supplements, and trimethoprim are just a few examples (Primsol, in Bactrim).
• If you have Addison’s disease, kidney illness, or any other disorders that could raise your blood potassium levels, let your doctor know. Your physician might advise against taking spironolactone.
• In case you have liver problems, let your doctor know.
• If you are breastfeeding a child or intend to become pregnant, let your doctor know. Call your doctor if you become pregnant while taking spironolactone.
• You should let your doctor or dentist know if you are taking spironolactone if you are undergoing surgery, including dental surgery.
• You should be aware that consuming alcohol while taking this prescription may result in lightheadedness, dizziness, and fainting if you stand up suddenly from a laying position. If you plan to drink while taking spironolactone, discuss it with your doctor.

Follow your doctor’s recommendations for your meals, including those for a low-sodium diet and a regular exercise schedule. While using this medication, stay away from salt alternatives that include potassium. Discuss with your doctor how much potassium-rich food you consume, such as bananas, prunes, raisins, and orange juice.

If you miss a dosage, take it as soon as you recall. If your next dose is approaching, skip the missed one and carry on with your regular dosing regimen. To make up for a missing dose, do not take a second one.

There could be negative effects from spirolactone. If any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away, let your doctor know right once:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps or agony
• Male or female breasts that are larger or hurt
• Irregular intervals of menstruation
• After menopause (the cessation of monthly menstrual cycles), post-menopausal women may experience vaginal bleeding.
• Vaginal bleeding.
• Having trouble getting or keeping an erection
• Voice getting louder
• Increased body hair growth in certain areas
• Drowsiness
• Tiredness
• Restlessness

Some adverse effects can be very harmful. Call your doctor right away if any of these symptoms occur to you:

• Weakened, painful, or cramping muscle
• Numbness, tingling, burning, or pain in the hands or feet
• Inability to move arms or legs
• Changes in heartbeat
• Confusion
• Nausea
• Extreme fatigue
• Dizziness, unsteadiness, headaches, dry mouth, thirst, and other symptoms of dehydration
• Uncommon bruising or bleeding
• Not enough energy
• Diminished appetite
• Upper right stomach region discomfort
• Skin or eyes turning yellow
• Flu-like signs
• Rash
• Hives
• Itching
• Breathing or swallowing challenges
• Spitting up blood
• Stool with blood
• Less urinations
• Fainting

You or your doctor can submit a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting programme online or by phone if you have a serious side event (1-800-332-1088).

Keep this medication tightly closed in the original container and out of the reach of children. Store it away from excessive heat and moisture at room temperature (not in the bathroom).

As many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and are simple for young children to open, it is crucial to keep all medications out of sight and out of reach of children. Always lock safety caps and promptly stash medication up and away from young children where it is out of their sight and reach to prevent poisoning. http://www.upandaway.org

Unused prescriptions must be disposed of carefully to prevent pets, kids, and other people from ingesting them. You should not, however, dispose of this medication in the toilet. Instead, utilising a medicine take-back programme is the easiest approach to get rid of your medication. To find out about take-back programmes in your area, speak with your pharmacist or the garbage/recycling department in your city. If you do not have access to a take-back programme, see the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website at http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for additional information.

Call the poison control hotline at 1-800-222-1222 in the event of an overdose. Additionally, information can be found online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. Call 911 right once if the person has collapsed, experienced a seizure, is having difficulty breathing, or cannot be roused.

Overdose signs could include the following:

• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Rash
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Legs and arms tingling
• Muscle tone loss
• Leg heaviness or weakness
• Slow or irregular heartbeat

Keep all of your appointments with your physician and the lab. To determine how well your body is responding to spironolactone, your doctor will request a few lab tests.

Inform the lab staff and your doctor that you are taking spironolactone prior to any laboratory test.

No one else should take your medication. Any queries you may have regarding medication refills should be directed to your pharmacist.

You should keep a written record of every medication you take, including any over-the-counter (OTC) items, prescription drugs, and dietary supplements like vitamins and minerals. This list should be brought with you whenever you see a doctor or are admitted to the hospital. You should always have this information with you in case of emergencies.