Spironolactone

About Spironolactone

This belongs to the group of medicines known as diuretics.

Diuretics are often referred to as water tablets.

Spironolactone is known as a potassium-sparing diuretic because, unlike some other diuretics, it does not cause your body to lose potassium.

Spironolactone is used to treat oedema (water retention), often cause by liver disease, kidney problems or heart failure. It prevents the build up of fluid by increasing the amount of urine produced by the kidneys.

Spironolactone is available in tablet and oral liquid form.

It is also sometimes known as: Aldactone; Spirospare. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before 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 suffer from liver or kidney problems
• if you suffer from Addison's disease or porphyria (a blood disorder)
• if you suffer from hyperkalaemia (high blood potassium)
• if you suffer from prostate problems or have problems urinating (passing water)
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Spironolactone

• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Take Spironolactone exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Spironolactone will make you urinate (pass water) more often, so your doctor or pharmacist will usually advise you to take your dose in the morning so as not to disturb your sleep. If you take more than one dose per day, take the last dose before 6pm in the evening.
• If you miss a dose of Spironolactone take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is after 6pm in the evening skip the missed dose and continue taking it at the usual times. Never take two doses at the same time.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Spironolactone contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
• Spironolactone is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so that your progress can be monitored. Your doctor may suggest that you have annual blood tests to check your levels of sodium and potassium.
• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside Spironolactone.
• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption. Too much alcohol can cause a big drop in blood pressure and may cause you to faint
• It is very important to take Spironolactone exactly as directed by your doctor, and not to stop taking it without speaking to your doctor first, even if you feel quite well.
• A diet rich in potassium should be avoided whilst taking this medicine. Salt substitutes contain potassium. Do not use them while taking Spironolactone unless instructed to do so by your doctor. Too much potassium can be harmful. Your doctor or pharmacist will be able to advise you on your diet.
• 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.
• Spironolactone may cause a dry mouth. If you experience this try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking sugar-free sweets or pieces of ice. If a dry mouth becomes too troublesome, discuss the problem with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Spironolactone may cause you to experience fainting or dizziness when getting up from a lying or sitting position. Getting up slowly should help. If this becomes too troublesome discuss the problem with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the surgeon, dentist or doctor that you are taking Spironolactone.
• If you have diabetes Spironolactone may affect your blood sugar levels. Test your urine or blood regularly and report any extreme changes to your doctor.
• Spironolactone may cause your skin to become more sensitive to sunlight than it is usually. Try to avoid bright sunlight and sunbeds or use a sun cream higher than factor 15 until you know how your skin reacts.

Can Spironolactone cause problems?

As well as their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Tummy upset, sexual problems, enlargement of the breasts (in both men and women), irregular menstrual periods, tiredness, headache, confusion, skin rashes, light-headedness, dry mouth or muscle cramps.

Spironolactone can occasionally cause you to lose too much sodium from the body. Sodium is essential for good health. Severe sickness and diarrhoea may increase sodium loss. If you experience this contact your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible.

Signs of excessive sodium loss are confusion, convulsions (fits), difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle cramps and unusual tiredness or weakness.

If you think you may be suffering from a lack of sodium or if you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist.

How to store Spironolactone

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 27/04/2005