Advertising Survey

We would like your input on how advertising is currently used in the site.

Please take this short survey to help us out.

Hide this message

Home > Medicines & Drugs > Spironolactone with furosemide

Print this page

Spironolactone with furosemide

  • Take your dose in the morning with a drink of water.
  • You will want to pass urine more often while taking these capsules.
  • Any other side-effects are usually mild and do not last long.

About spironolactone with furosemide

Type of medicineDiuretic
Used forOedema (water retention)
Also calledLasilactone®
Available asCapsules

These capsules contain two ingredients, spironolactone and furosemide, both of which are diuretics. Diuretics are often referred to as water tablets.

Spironolactone with furosemide is used to treat oedema (water retention) which is often caused by liver disease, kidney problems or heart failure.

When you have oedema your body builds up extra fluid which can make your ankles swell, make you short of breath and make you feel tired. Spironolactone and furosemide reduce the build-up of fluid by increasing the amount of urine your kidneys produce.

Before taking spironolactone with furosemide

Before taking spironolactone with furosemide 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 prostate problems or have problems passing urine.
  • If you have gout, diabetes, or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
  • If you have low blood pressure or if you are dehydrated.
  • If you know you have low or high levels of electrolytes (such as sodium, potassium and calcium) in your blood.
  • If you have Addison's disease (a disorder of the adrenal glands).
  • If you have porphyria (a blood disorder).
  • 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 especially if you have had a reaction to a sulphonamide medicine used for infections.

How to take spironolactone with furosemide

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take spironolactone with furosemide exactly as directed by your doctor. Swallow the capsules whole with a drink of water.
  • Try to take these capsules at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses. They 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 or at lunchtime.
  • 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 at the usual time the next day. Do not take two doses together 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.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking these capsules.
  • Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored.
  • Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking with your doctor first, even if you feel well.
  • If you have diabetes you may be asked to check your blood sugar more regularly as these capsules can affect your levels.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

Can spironolactone with furosemide cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but 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 medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
Feeling or being sickEat little and often. Stick to simple foods
Dizziness (particularly when getting up from a lying or sitting position)Getting up slowly should help. If you begin to feel dizzy, lie down so that you do not faint, then sit for a few minutes before standing. If this continues, speak with your doctor
HeadacheAsk your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller. If the headache continues, speak with your doctor
TirednessMake 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 rashIf any of these become troublesome, speak with your doctor
Voice changesLet your doctor know if you are a singer or if you rely on your voice to make a living

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 with furosemide

  • 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


  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • Manufacturer's PIL, Lasilactone®, Sanofi-Aventis, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated April 2010, accessed July 2010.
  • British National Formulary; 59th Edition (March 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF)
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2010DocID: 3444DocRef: dils2579Last Reviewed: 9 Aug 2010Version: 22
Provide feedback