Spironolactone
NHS information about the medicine spironolactone, including what it's used for, who can take it, how to take it and side effects.
What spironolactone is for
Spironolactone is a diuretic medicine, sometimes called "water tablets", that make you pee more. If your body has too much fluid, spironolactone can help you get rid of it.
It's used to treat:
- swelling, in the ankles, feet and other parts of the body, caused by fluid build-up (oedema)
- heart failure
- high blood pressure (hypertension) if other medicines have not worked
How to take spironolactone
Spironolactone usually comes as tablets or a liquid you swallow.
Your dose and how long you take it for depends on why you're taking it.
When taking spironolactone:
- take it with food or just after food
- use the syringe or spoon that comes with your liquid medicine to measure out the right dose
Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it, or you have any other problems taking it.
If you miss a dose of spironolactone
If you forget to take a dose of spironolactone, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose.
If it's nearly time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose at the usual time.
Do not take 2 doses at the same time to make up for a missed one.
If you take too much spironolactone
Taking an extra dose of spironolactone is unlikely to cause problems, but it's important to get medical advice if you take too much because it can sometimes be dangerous.
Side effects of spironolactone
Like all medicines spironolactone can cause side effects, but not everyone gets them.
Common side effects
Common side effects of spironolactone include:
- feeling dizzy
- feeling sick (nausea)
- muscle or leg cramps
- feeling tired or low in energy
- breast pain and increase in breast size, including in men
Spironolactone will not usually affect your ability to drive, ride a bike or use machinery, but if you feel dizzy or have problems with your vision after taking it, wait until the side effects stop.
More about side effects
These are not all the side effects of spironolactone.
For a full list, see the leaflet that comes with your medicine or search for your medicine on the electronic medicines compendium website.
You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card website
Who can and cannot take spironolactone
Most adults and children can take spironolactone, but it's not suitable for everyone.
You may not be able to take spironolactone if you:
- have ever had an allergic reaction to spironolactone or any of its ingredients
- have severe kidney problems
- are unable to pee properly because of an underlying condition, such as a urinary tract infection
- have Addison's disease – a hormone imbalance that causes weakness, weight loss and low blood pressure
- have ever had high levels of potassium in your blood (hyperkalaemia)
Breastfeeding and spironolactone
You may be able to take spironolactone while breastfeeding, but check with a doctor or healthcare professional first.
It's rare for breastfed babies to get any side effects from medicine you're taking, but speak to a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your baby.
Pregnancy and spironolactone
Spironolactone is not usually recommended during pregnancy. This is because it can potentially affect a baby's development.
Taking spironolactone with other medicines, food and drink
There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with spironolactone.
These include:
- digoxin, a medicine used to treat an irregular heartbeat
- some medicines to treat high blood pressure and heart failure, such as eplerenone
- supplements containing potassium
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, aspirin and diclofenac
Before you take spironolactone, tell your doctor or a pharmacist if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.
Food, drink and alcohol with spironolactone
Spironolactone can sometimes raise your potassium levels and cause a condition called hyperkalaemia.
Eating foods like bananas and avocados, or salt substitutes such as Lo-Salt, while taking spironolactone can raise potassium levels further. Ask a doctor or dietitian for advice.
Find out more about your medicine
To find out more about your medicine, you can:
- check the leaflet that comes with it
- search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website
- speak to a pharmacist or doctor for advice – if you recently started taking it, you can get help with newly prescribed medicines from a pharmacist as part of the New Medicines Service
