About Spironolactone 25 mg Tablet
Spironolactone 25 mg Tablet contains Spironolactone 25 mg. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing water tablet (diuretic). It helps the body get rid of extra salt and water while keeping potassium. It is used in heart failure, fluid build-up due to liver or kidney disease, high blood pressure that is hard to control, and a hormone condition called primary hyperaldosteronism. Your doctor will check your blood tests regularly.
Uses of Spironolactone 25 mg Tablet
- Heart failure
- Fluid build-up (oedema) due to liver cirrhosis or kidney problems
- High blood pressure that is not controlled by other medicines
- Primary hyperaldosteronism
Benefits
In heart failure
It reduces fluid build-up and the strain on the heart, which can ease breathlessness and swelling.
In fluid build-up and high blood pressure
It helps remove extra fluid and lowers blood pressure while keeping your potassium level up.
Side effects
Most side effects are mild. Talk to your doctor if any of them bother you or do not go away.
Common
- Breast enlargement or tenderness (in men and women)
- Irregular periods
- Dizziness
- Nausea or stomach upset
- High potassium in blood tests
Get medical help if you notice
- Muscle weakness, numbness, slow or irregular heartbeat — may be high potassium; seek medical help straight away
- Severe dizziness, confusion, very dry mouth or passing little urine — may be dehydration or kidney problems; contact your doctor
- Allergic reaction or severe skin reaction: rash, blistering, swelling — stop and seek emergency care
How to use
Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed, usually with food. Swallow the tablet with water. If you take it once a day, the morning is usually best so you do not need to pass urine at night.
How it works
Spironolactone blocks aldosterone, a hormone that makes the kidneys hold on to salt and water and lose potassium. Blocking it helps remove extra salt and water while keeping potassium in the body.
Safety advice
Alcohol Caution
Alcohol can add to dizziness and lower blood pressure. Limit alcohol.
Pregnancy Consult your doctor
It is generally avoided in pregnancy because of possible hormonal effects on the baby. Use only if your doctor advises it.
Breastfeeding Consult your doctor
A breakdown product passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before using it.
Driving Caution
It can cause dizziness or drowsiness. Do not drive if you feel affected.
Kidney Caution
It can raise potassium to dangerous levels in kidney disease. It must not be used in severe kidney disease or when the kidneys are not making urine.
Liver Caution
Tell your doctor if you have liver disease; you will need close monitoring.
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose, take it when you remember. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses together.
Quick tips
- Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes unless your doctor says so.
- Go for the blood tests your doctor asks for, to check potassium and kidney function.
- Take it in the morning so you are not up at night to pass urine.
- Tell your doctor if you have vomiting or diarrhoea, as you may become dehydrated.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Steroidal lactone
- Therapeutic class
- Cardiovascular / diuretic
- Action class
- Aldosterone antagonist (potassium-sparing diuretic)
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Potassium supplements and salt substitutes | Can raise blood potassium to unsafe levels |
| ACE inhibitors and ARBs (e.g. telmisartan, losartan) | Higher risk of high potassium; your doctor will monitor blood tests |
| NSAID pain killers | Can reduce its effect and raise potassium and kidney risk |
| Trimethoprim and co-trimoxazole | Higher risk of high potassium |
| Lithium and digoxin | Their levels may rise |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Spironolactone prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); NICE BNF: spironolactone). Pharmacist review pending.