Sign inBefore taking spironolactone
Before taking spironolactone make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you have liver or kidney problems.
- If you have Addison's disease (a disorder of the adrenal glands).
- If you have porphyria (a blood disorder).
- If you know you have high levels of potassium or low levels of sodium in your blood.
- If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
How to take spironolactone
- Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
- Take spironolactone exactly as directed by your doctor. Take your dose with or after food.
- Try to take spironolactone at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses. It will make you want to go to the toilet more often so your doctor will usually advise you to take your dose in the morning.
- If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is after 6 pm in the evening, skip the missed dose and continue taking it at the usual times. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.
Getting the most from your treatment
- Diuretics help you to lose water. On occasions you may lose too much and become dehydrated, leaving you feeling thirsty and your skin looking and feeling dry. Let your doctor know if this happens.
- A diet rich in potassium should be avoided whilst taking this medicine as too much potassium can be harmful. Your doctor or pharmacist will be able to advise you on your diet. Salt substitutes also contain potassium. Do not use them while taking spironolactone unless you have been instructed to do so by your doctor.
- If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
- Keep your regular doctor's appointment so that your progress can be monitored.
- Do not stop taking spironolactone without speaking to your doctor first, even if you feel well.
- If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Can spironolactone cause problems?
Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Feeling or being sick | Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods |
| Headache | Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkilller. If the headache continues, speak with your doctor |
| Tiredness | Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which would be dangerous if you were not fully alert |
| Sexual problems, enlargement of the breasts (in both men and women), irregular menstrual periods, confusion and skin rash | If any of these become troublesome, speak with your doctor |
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store spironolactone
- Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- Manufacturer's PIL, Aldactone® 100 mg, 50 mg and 25 mg Tablets, Pharmacia Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated May 2008, accessed November 2009.
- British National Formulary; 58th Edition (September 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.