How should this medicine be used?
Spironolactone comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken once a day in the morning with breakfast or twice a day with breakfast and lunch. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take spironolactone exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Spironolactone controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Continue to take spironolactone even if you feel well. Do not stop taking spironolactone without talking to your doctor.
Other uses for this medicine
Spironolactone also is used in combination with other medicines to treat precocious puberty or myasthenia gravis. Spironolactone also may be used to treat certain female patients with abnormal facial hair. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medicine for your condition.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking spironolactone,
* tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to spironolactone, sulfa drugs, or any other drugs.
* tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially aspirin; captopril (Capoten); digoxin (Lanoxin); enalapril (Vasotec); lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); medications for arthritis, diabetes, or high blood pressure; potassium supplements; and vitamins. Do not take this medicine if you are taking amiloride or triamterene.
* tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes, gout, or kidney or liver disease.
* tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking spironolactone, call your doctor immediately.
* if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking spironolactone.
* you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
* remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Follow your doctor's directions for a low-salt or low-sodium diet and daily exercise program. Avoid potassium-containing salt substitutes. Limit your intake of potassium-rich foods (e.g., bananas, prunes, raisins, and orange juice). Ask your doctor for advice on how much of these foods you may have.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Although side effects from spironolactone are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
* upset stomach
* vomiting
* diarrhea
* stomach pain
* frequent urination
* dizziness
* headache
* enlarged or painful breasts
* irregular menstrual periods
* drowsiness
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
* muscle weakness or cramps
* rapid, excessive weight loss
* fatigue
* slow or irregular heartbeat
* sore throat
* unusual bruising or bleeding
* yellowing of the skin or eyes
* skin rash
* vomiting blood
* fever
* confusion
