Laboratory mice exposed to spirolactone developed tumours. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using this medicine for your condition with your doctor.

Spironolactone is used to treat some individuals with heart failure, low potassium levels, hyperaldosteronism (in which the body produces too much aldosterone), and edoema (fluid retention) brought on by a variety of illnesses, such as liver or kidney disease. High blood pressure can also be treated with it on its own or in combination with other drugs. The drug spirolactone belongs to a group of drugs known as aldosterone receptor antagonists. Although it lessens potassium loss from the body, it causes 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. Until 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 any allergies, including to spironolactone, other drugs, or any of the substances in spironolactone tablets, notify your doctor right away. Get a list of the components from your pharmacist.
• Inform your physician if you are using eplerenone (Inspra). If you are taking this drug, your doctor might advise against using spironolactone.
• Inform your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal products that you are now taking or intend to use. Incorporate any of the following: antibiotics known as aminoglycosides, including streptomycin, gentamicin, kanamycin, neomycin (Neo-Rx, Neo-Fradin), and tobramycin (Tobi); drugs that block the action of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), such as benazepril (Lotensin, in Lotrel), captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), fosinopril, lisinopril (in Prinzide, in Zestoretic), moexipril (Univasc, in Uniretic), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril, in Accuretic, in Quinaretic); ARBs, or angiotensin II antagonists, include azilsartan (Edarbi, Edarbyclor), candesartan (Atacand, in Teveten HCT), eprosartan (Teveten, in Teveten HCT), irbesartan (Avapro, in Avalide), losartan (Cozaar, in Hyzaar), olmesartan (Benicar, in Azor, Benicar HCT, Tribenzor); barbiturates like phenobarbital; aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), indomethacin (Indocin, Tivorbex), and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn); heparin or low-molecular-weight heparin enoxaparin (Lovenox); cholestyramine (Prevalite); cisplatin; digoxin (Lanoxin); diuretics (‘water pills’), including potassium-sparing diuretics such amiloride (Midamor) and triamterene (Dyrenium, in Dyazide, in Maxzide); supplements for potassium, lithium (Lithobid), drugs to lower blood pressure, narcotic painkillers, oral steroids like dexamethasone, methylprednisolone (Medrol), and prednisone (Rayos), and trimethoprim (Primsol, in Bactrim).
• Inform your doctor if you suffer from Addison’s disease, kidney disease, or any other diseases that could raise your blood potassium levels. 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.

Pay attention to your doctor’s instructions for your meals, especially those about a low-sodium diet and a daily exercise regimen. While using this medication, stay away from potassium-containing salt substitutes. Have a discussion with your doctor about your diet’s potential potassium intake. Examples include bananas, prunes, raisins, and orange juice.

As soon as you recall, take the missed dose. Skip the missed dose and carry on with your regular dosing plan, though, if it is almost time for your next dose. Never take two doses at once to make up for missing ones.

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
• Abdominal cramps or pain
• Male or female breasts that are enlarging or hurting
• Erratic menstrual cycles
• ‘After the transition of life,’ often known as the cessation of monthly menstrual periods, post-menopausal women’s vaginal bleeding
• trouble getting or keeping an erection
• Voice lowering itself
• Accelerated body hair growth in some areas
• Drowsiness
• Tiredness
• Restlessness

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• A weakened, painful, or cramping muscle
• Hands or foot pain, burning, numbness, or tingling
• Incapable of moving arms or legs
• Alterations in heartbeat
• Confusion
• Nausea
• Extreme fatigue
• Dizziness, unsteadiness, headaches, dry mouth, thirst, and other symptoms of dehydration
• Uncommon bruising or bleeding
• Not enough energy
• Reduced appetite
• Stomach ache in the top right corner
• Eyes or skin that have a yellow tint
• Flu-like signs
• Rash
• Hives
• Itching
• Breathing or swallowing challenges
• Throwing 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. Keep it away from excessive heat and moisture at room temperature (not in the bathroom).

Although 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 Medications 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. Moreover, 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.

Symptoms of overdose may include the following:

• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Rash
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Legs and arms start to tingle
• Decline in muscular tone
• 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.

Never allow someone else to take your medication. If you have any queries regarding getting a prescription renewed, ask your pharmacist.

You should keep a written record of every drug you take, including prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medications, vitamins, minerals, and other dietary supplements. Every time you see a doctor or are admitted to the hospital, you should carry this list with you. Also, it is crucial to have this knowledge on hand in case of emergency.