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Spironolactone Coupon - Spironolactone 25mg tablet

spironolactone

Generic Aldactone
Used for Edema, Hypertension, Heart Failure, Cirrhosis, Hypokalemia, Aldosteronism
Used for Edema, Hypertension, Heart Failure, Cirrhosis, Hypokalemia, Aldosteronism

Spironolactone (Aldactone) is a type of potassium-sparing diuretic (water pill). It's used to treat heart failure, high blood pressure, and swelling from kidney or liver problems in adults. Because it blocks aldosterone (a hormone that affects sodium and potassium levels), spironolactone (Aldactone) can also treat conditions where there's too much aldosterone. Spironolactone (Aldactone) is taken by mouth, generally once or a few times a day, depending on your condition. Some common side effects of this medication include breast tenderness (males and females) and loss of libido (in males).

Last reviewed on October 3, 2023
basics-icon

What is Spironolactone (Aldactone)?

What is Spironolactone (Aldactone) used for?

How Spironolactone (Aldactone) works

Spironolactone (Aldactone) is a potassium-sparing diuretic (water pill) that's also an aldosterone antagonist. It blocks aldosterone (a hormone), so your kidneys can remove extra water and sodium. This helps lower the amount of fluid in your blood vessels and other areas of your body. It makes you urinate more without lowering the amount of potassium in your body, unlike other types of water pills.

Are you looking for information on Aldactazide (spironolactone / hydrochlorothiazide) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsAldactone, CaroSpir
Drug ClassPotassium sparing diuretic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Spironolactone (Aldactone)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Sleepiness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach cramps
  • Enlargement of male breasts
  • Breast pain
  • Lower sex drive
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Irregular or lack of menstrual periods
  • Leg cramps
  • Higher potassium levels
  • Lower sodium levels

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • High potassium levels: muscle weakness, numbness, a tingling sensation, racing heart, trouble catching your breath, chest pain, nausea, vomiting
  • Abnormal electrolyte levels: muscles cramps, fainting, irregular heartbeats, seizures
  • Kidney failure: not urinating as much as usual, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, swelling
  • Serious skin reactions: sore throat, fever, tiredness, trouble swallowing, stinging sensation in the eyes, body aches, rash, itchiness, peeling or blistering of the skin

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Incidence not known

Bleeding gums

bloody or black, tarry stools

bloody urine

blurred vision

breast pain

chest pain

clay-colored stools

clear or bloody discharge from the nipple

cloudy urine

confusion

constipation

cough

dark urine

decrease in urine output or decrease in urine-concentrating ability

diarrhea

difficulty with swallowing

dimpling of the breast skin

dizziness

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

drowsiness

fast or irregular heartbeat

fever with or without chills

general feeling of tiredness or weakness

headache

heartburn

hives, itching, or skin rash

hoarseness

increased thirst

indigestion

inverted nipple

loss of appetite

loss of consciousness

lower back or side pain

lump in the breast or under the arm

muscle pain or cramps

muscle spasms or twitching

nausea

painful or difficult urination

persistent crusting or scaling of the nipple

pinpoint red spots on the skin

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

redness or swelling of the breast

seizures

severe stomach pain

shakiness and unsteady walk

sore on the skin of the breast that does not heal

sore throat

sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth

stomach cramping, burning, or tenderness

swelling of the face, fingers, feet, ankles, or lower legs

swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin

tightness in the chest

trembling

troubled breathing

unpleasant breath odor

unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

vomiting

vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

weight gain

yellow eyes or skin

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

Irregular heartbeat

nervousness

numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips

rash with flat lesions or small raised lesions on the skin

reddened skin

weakness or heaviness of the legs

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

Burning feeling in the chest or stomach

decreased interest in sexual intercourse

hair loss or thinning of the hair

inability to have or keep an erection

leg cramps

loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance

pain in the nipples

sores, welts, or blisters

stomach upset

swelling of the breasts or breast soreness in both females and males

unusual dullness or feeling of sluggishness

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Spironolactone (Aldactone)

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Pros

Taken by mouth

Oral suspension available for adults who've difficulty swallowing tablets

Lower-cost generics available

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Cons

Can make you urinate more often

Need to get blood tests regularly to check your electrolytes and kidney health

Can cause breast growth and lower sex drive in males

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Spironolactone (Aldactone)

pharmacist
  • Spironolactone (Aldactone) can be taken with or without food. But it's best to take spironolactone (Aldactone) consistently, one way or the other, so that the level of this medication stays steady in your body.

    • If you're taking the spironolactone (CaroSpir) oral suspension, store the medication at room temperature, and shake the bottle well before use. Use the dosing cup or syringe provided by your pharmacy to measure your doses. Don't use household kitchen or measuring spoons to measure your dose, since they might not be accurate and cause you to take the wrong amount of medication.

      • Spironolactone (Aldactone) can make you urinate more often. Try to take the medication in the morning or afternoon to avoid the need to get up at night to use the restroom.

        • Like many blood pressure medications, spironolactone (Aldactone) can cause dizziness the first few days you're taking it. This is because your body hasn't gotten used to having lower blood pressure. Be careful when getting up from a lying down or seated position so you don't get too dizzy or fall.

          • If any side effects of spironolactone (Aldactone) (e.g., leg cramps, diarrhea, breast growth in males) become severe or bothersome, please let your healthcare provider know. Together, you and your provider can decide if continuing spironolactone (Aldactone) is the best option to treat your condition.

            • It's very important to keep up with any regular blood tests your provider asks you to have done. This helps make sure that spironolactone (Aldactone) isn't causing problems with your electrolytes or kidneys.

              • Avoid using potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium while taking spironolactone (Aldactone), unless your healthcare provider or dietitian tells you to do so. This can cause high levels of potassium in your blood, which can cause heart problems.

                faqs

                Frequently asked questions about Spironolactone (Aldactone)

                Is spironolactone (Aldactone) a diuretic?
                Yes, spironolactone (Aldactone) is considered a potassium-sparing diuretic. This means that it helps you get rid of extra fluids from your body without causing your potassium levels to drop. In addition, spironolactone (Aldactone) also has antiandrogen activities, meaning that it blocks male sex hormones, like testosterone. That's why this medication can cause side effects related to low testosterone levels, such as lower sex drive in males and breast tenderness in both males and females.
                Does spironolactone (Aldactone) cause weight gain?
                People who took spironolactone (Aldactone) during clinical studies didn't report weight gain as a side effect. If you experience sudden or unexpected weight gain after starting spironolactone (Aldactone), let your provider know. They can work with you to try to figure out the cause of weight gain and let you know if you need more medical attention.
                How much water should I drink when taking spironolactone (Aldactone)?
                Ask your provider how much water you should drink when taking spironolactone (Aldactone). The amount of water you need can differ depending on whether you have certain health conditions, such as kidney or heart problems. In general, you need to drink enough water to stay hydrated. Because spironolactone (Aldactone) causes you to urinate more, you're at higher risk for dehydration and electrolyte problems, which can be serious. You probably need to drink more water if you notice symptoms of dehydration, such as having dark-yellow urine, feeling thirsty, or having headaches.
                Does spironolactone (Aldactone) cause hair loss?
                Hair loss (alopecia) is one of the side effects reported by people who took spironolactone (Aldactone) in clinical studies. But there's not much information on whether the hair loss was caused by spironolactone (Aldactone) or something else, and how severe the hair loss was. Please note that providers sometimes prescribe spironolactone (Aldactone) off-label to limit hair growth in females with more severe cases of hirsutism (too much facial and body hair growth), a condition triggered by higher testosterone levels. Because spironolactone (Aldactone) lowers testosterone levels, it also causes less hair to grow. If you have questions about spironolactone (Aldactone) and hair loss, talk with your provider.
                How long does spironolactone (Aldactone) take to work for acne?
                While spironolactone (Aldactone) isn't FDA-approved to treat acne, providers sometimes prescribe it off-label to help with acne for females. Once you start spironolactone (Aldactone), it might take a few weeks for your skin to be less oily and greasy, and less prone to breakouts. Some studies suggest that you need to take it for about 3 months to see more noticeable improvements to acne. If you've questions about spironolactone (Aldactone) and acne, talk with your provider.
                Can you take spironolactone (Aldactone) while pregnant?
                If you're pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, talk with your provider before starting spironolactone (Aldactone). This medication isn't recommended for people who are pregnant because limited studies suggest that it can cause harm to developing babies. But at the same time, if you have high blood pressure and heart failure, it's important to manage these conditions during pregnancy for your health and that of your baby. Depending on what health conditions you have, your provider can talk with you about safer options.
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                What are the risks and warnings for Spironolactone (Aldactone)?

                Spironolactone (Aldactone) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                risk-warning

                High blood potassium levels

                • Risk factors: Kidney problems | Diabetes | Taking other medications that raise potassium levels | Using potassium-based salt substitutes

                  Spironolactone (Aldactone) can raise your blood potassium levels, which can be serious. Your risk is higher if you've kidney problems or are taking other medications that can raise your potassium levels. Your healthcare provider will check your potassium levels a week after you start spironolactone (Aldactone) and regularly after that to make sure it's within a safe range. If your potassium level is too high, then your provider might lower your dose of spironolactone (Aldactone) or ask you to stop taking it all together. Let your provider know if you feel symptoms of high potassium levels, such as tiredness, muscle weakness, numbness, nausea, or vomiting.

                  risk-warning

                  Low blood pressure and kidney problems

                  • Risk factors: Kidney problems | Taking other medications that can cause kidney problems

                    Because spironolactone (Aldactone) causes you to urinate more, it can sometimes lead to dehydration, low blood pressure, and kidney problems. The risk is higher for people who already have kidney problems or are also taking other medications that can cause kidney problems, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and certain antibiotics. Your provider might order blood tests from time to time to check your kidney health while you're taking spironolactone (Aldactone).

                    risk-warning

                    Abnormal electrolyte levels

                    Spironolactone (Aldactone) can lower sodium, calcium, and magnesium levels in your blood. These electrolytes are important for many bodily functions. When they're too low, you can experience muscle cramps, fainting, irregular heart beats, or even seizures. Your healthcare provider will be checking these electrolytes before you start spironolactone (Aldactone) and regularly after starting to make sure it's safe to keep taking it.

                    In addition, though rare, spironolactone (Aldactone) can also raise your blood sugar levels and uric acid levels. Sometimes, higher uric acid levels might trigger a gout attack. To be safe, your provider will also check these labs through blood work occasionally, while you're taking spironolactone (Aldactone).

                    risk-warning

                    Breast pain or swelling

                    • Risk factors: Taking high doses of spironolactone (Aldactone)

                      Spironolactone (Aldactone) can cause breast pain or swelling in males and females, especially with higher doses of the medication. Some people have this side effect within 1 to 2 months of starting spironolactone (Aldactone), while others might not experience it until they've been taking the medication for a year or more. It usually goes away when you stop taking spironolactone (Aldactone). If the breast pain or swelling bothers you, talk to your healthcare provider about other options to treat your condition.

                      dosage

                      Spironolactone (Aldactone) dosage forms

                      ml of oral suspension
                      Ml of oral suspension
                      DosageAs low as
                      118ml of 25mg/5ml$64.82 for 1 ml
                      473ml of 25mg/5ml$246.30 for 1 ml
                      tablet
                      Tablet
                      DosageAs low as
                      25mg$5.00 for 30 tablets
                      50mg$14.33 for 90 tablets
                      100mg$20.27 for 90 tablets

                      Typical dosing for Spironolactone (Aldactone)

                      Please note: The spironolactone (Aldactone) tablets and spironolactone (CaroSpir) oral suspension aren't the same and can't be substituted for each other. See FAQs for more information.

                      Tablets

                      • Heart failure: The typical starting dose is 25 mg by mouth once daily. Your provider will adjust your dose as needed. The typical maintenance dose ranges from 25 mg every other day, to 50 mg daily.

                      • High blood pressure: The typical dose ranges from 25 mg to 100 mg by mouth daily, taken as a single dose or in divided doses.

                      • Swelling (from kidney or liver problems): The typical starting dose is 100 mg by mouth daily, taken as a single dose or in divided doses. The typical maintenance dose ranges from 25 mg to 200 mg daily, as a single dose or in divided doses.

                      • Primary hyperaldosteronism: The typical dose is to take 100 mg to 400 mg by mouth daily, leading up to surgery. For people who aren't able to receive surgery, take as instructed by your provider.

                      Oral suspension

                      • Heart failure: The typical starting dose is 20 mg by mouth once daily. Your provider will adjust your dose as needed. The typical maintenance dose ranges from 10 mg daily to 37.5 mg daily.

                      • High blood pressure: The typical dose ranges from 20 mg to 75 mg by mouth daily, taken as a single dose or in divided doses.

                      • Swelling (from liver problems): The typical starting dose is 75 mg by mouth daily, taken as a single dose or in divided doses.

                      More on Spironolactone (Aldactone) dosage forms

                      interactions

                      Interactions between Spironolactone (Aldactone) and other drugs

                      Spironolactone (Aldactone) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Spironolactone (Aldactone). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                      Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                      Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                      Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                      • Digitoxin
                      • Gossypol
                      • Licorice
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                      contraindications-icon

                      Spironolactone (Aldactone) contraindications

                      Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Spironolactone (Aldactone) will not be safe for you to take.
                      alternatives

                      What are alternatives to Spironolactone (Aldactone)?

                      There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Spironolactone (Aldactone). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                      Spironolactone (Aldactone)
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                      • High blood pressure

                      • Heart failure

                      • Lower the risk for death after a heart attack

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                      latest news

                      What is the latest news about Spironolactone (Aldactone)?

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                      Spironolactone (Aldactone) images

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