Spironolactone

Spironolactone is a prescription potassium-sparing diuretic primarily used for:

• Removing excess fluid in the body due to congestive heart failure
• Removing fluid retention (edema) in the liver and abdominal cavity
• Treating nephrotic syndrome, inflammation of the kidney from too much fluid in the body which causes weight gain, swelling and high blood pressure
• Counteract the effects of excessive secretion of the hormone aldosterone by the adrenal glands or hyperaldosteronism. Overproduction of aldosterone can occur from an enlarged adrenal gland or a tumor in the adrenal gland.

It’s also used in combination with other medications to treat:

• High blood pressure
• Diuretic-induced low potassium (hypokalemia)

This medicine is an aldosterone receptor antagonist that causes the kidney to eliminate unwanted sodium and water from the body. Aldosterone receptor antagonists are medicines that helps the body get rid of extra water in the body and holding on to potassium by inhibiting the action of aldosterone hormone. It acts on the aldosterone hormone produced by the adrenal glands just above the kidney. This hormone controls the salt and water balance in the body. Blocking it causes the kidney to increase the amount of sodium and water being filtered out of the body in the form of urine.

There are several conditions that cause the body to retain fluid which includes:

• Liver cirrhosis
• Heart failure
• Certain types of kidney disease

It is sometimes used off-label by a dermatologist in treating persistent adult acne in women. It works by blocking the action of androgen level thus reducing the secretion of sebum.

Why Buy Spironolactone?

Spironolactone is a very effective medication in removing excess fluids in the body. Unlike other diuretics, this medicine doesn’t lower the potassium in the blood. It’s also effective in lowering the blood pressure and in reducing the risk of death in patients with heart disease. It’s one of the safest and most effective medicines needed in the health system. Spironolactone is a prescription drug that comes as generic and brand-name versions. It’s available in different forms and strength. You can buy the generic name Spironolactone here at a very affordable price compared with the brand names.

How to Take Spironolactone?

Your dose and the duration of your treatment depends on why you take it, your age, how you react to the first dose and other medical conditions.

• High blood pressure

The recommended starting dose for an adult is 25 mg to 100 mg a day as a single dose or in divided doses. Your doctor may increase your dose to 400 mg a day.

• Edema from liver disease and nephrotic syndrome

The initial dose for edema in an adult is 100 mg a day divided into two doses or as a single dose for five days. Some may take only 25 mg a day or as much as 200 mg a day.

• Congestive heart failure

The starting dose is 25 mg a day. Your doctor may increase your dose to 50 mg a day or may decrease it by letting you take 25 mg once every other day.

• Excessive aldosterone secretion

The recommended dose is 100 mg to 400 mg a day before surgery. However, for senior dosage, they may take in a lower dose.

Your doctor may prescribe this drug off label to treat women with hirsutism and acne. Take 50 mg to 200 mg a day or divided into 12 hours.

Take your medication exactly as directed by your physician. Take it in the morning with food. Take it at the same time each day. Do not stop taking your medication without telling your doctor. If you do not take it, your blood pressure may spike which can lead to stroke or heart attack. Your body may also become overloaded with fluid which can cause serious liver and kidney disease. For a missed dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not take doses to make up for the missed one.

What are the side effects of Spironolactone?

The following are some side effects of Spironolactone:

• Dizziness
• Dehydration
• Dry mouth
• Confusion
• A decrease in blood pressure
• Skin rashes
• Headache
• Increase blood sugar level
• Changes in libido
• Pins and needle sensation
• An increase level of uric acid in the blood
• Increase production in urine
• Weakness
• Visual disturbance
• Abnormal enlargement of breast in men
• Sever blistering reaction

In case of serious side effects, seek medical help as soon as possible.

Things to Remember

• This medicine can make you feel dizzy. Take extra care when you drive or when you do activities which require mental alertness.
• This drug can cause high potassium level or hyperkalemia. Have your blood fluid and salt level check regularly while taking this medication. Do not take any salt substitute containing potassium. Too much potassium can cause severe problems that can be fatal.
• Spironolactone may result in worsening kidney function and low blood pressure. Have your doctor monitor your kidney function and blood pressure regularly.
• Prolonged use may cause you to have an enlarged breast. If this happens, stop taking this medication and consult your doctor right away.
• Spironolactone works best if it is used along with other medications to help get rid of unwanted fluids in the body.
• It’s not suitable for people with high levels of potassium in the blood and severe kidney failure. It’s not also suitable for people with a hereditary blood disorder known as porphyria.
• This medicine can make you urinate more often so it’s best to take it in the morning.
• Use this medication with care if:
  • You have a decreased kidney and liver function
  • You have a hereditary blood disorder known as porphyrias
  • You have diabetes
  • You are 65 years old and above
• Do not use this if:
  • You have very low sodium and potassium level in the blood
  • You have a high potassium level in the blood
  • You are below 18 years of age
  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • You have liver cirrhosis that affects the brain
  • You have inadequate production of natural steroid hormones by the adrenal glands or Addison’s disease
  • You have galactose intolerance