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What is Spironolactone
SpironolactoneThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummarySpironolactone is a type of diuretic that helps the body to excrete excess salt and water while retaining potassium. It was first developed in 1957 and approved by the FDA in 1960. It is used to treat heart failure, fluid retention, high blood pressure, overactive adrenal glands, and nephrotic syndrome. Spironolactone has off-label uses such as treating hirsutism, female pattern hair loss, and adult acne. It is also sometimes used as part of medical gender transition.
Spironolactoneis the brand name
Spironolactone Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Spironolactone
Spironolactone
1960
288
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Spironolactone, also known as Spironolactone, is approved by the FDA for 11 uses such as Hypesthesia and Hypokalemia .Hypesthesia
Helps manage chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (NYHA Class III)
Hypokalemia
Swollen feet or ankles
Helps manage Edema
Hyperaldosteronism
Helps manage idiopathic hyperaldosteronism
Ascites
Helps manage Ascites
Hypesthesia
Helps manage chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (NYHA Class IV)
Hypertensive disease
Helps manage High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Nephrotic Syndrome
Helps manage Nephrotic Syndrome
Congestive Heart Failure
Helps manage Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
Primary Hyperaldosteronism
Helps manage Primary Hyperaldosteronism
Cirrhosis
Helps manage Cirrhosis of the Liver
Effectiveness
How Spironolactone Affects PatientsSpironolactone was originally studied for its ability to help the body get rid of water while preserving potassium. It works by blocking mineralocorticoid receptors in the kidneys, which causes the body to release more renin and aldosterone hormones. This drug is similar in structure to progesterone, which makes it also act as a progestogen and an anti-androgen.
How Spironolactone works in the bodySpironolactone helps your body get rid of extra salt and water. It does this by blocking aldosterone, which is a hormone that controls your body's salt and potassium levels. By preventing the aldosterone from working, spironolactone helps remove extra salt and water from your system, providing a diuretic and anti-hypertensive effect.
When to interrupt dosage
The measure of Spironolactone is dependent upon the diagnosed situation, including Hypesthesia, Congestive Heart Failure and Cirrhosis. The dosage also fluctuates as per the technique of delivery detailed in the table below.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Primary Hyperaldosteronism
50.0 mg, , 100.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 25.0 mg/mL, 0.02 mg/mg, 0.05 mg/mg
, Tablet, film coated, Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Topical, Gel - Topical, Gel, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated
Hyperaldosteronism
50.0 mg, , 100.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 25.0 mg/mL, 0.02 mg/mg, 0.05 mg/mg
, Tablet, film coated, Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Topical, Gel - Topical, Gel, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated
Secondary hyperaldosteronism
50.0 mg, , 100.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 25.0 mg/mL, 0.02 mg/mg, 0.05 mg/mg
, Tablet, film coated, Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Topical, Gel - Topical, Gel, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated
Hypertensive disease
50.0 mg, , 100.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 25.0 mg/mL, 0.02 mg/mg, 0.05 mg/mg
, Tablet, film coated, Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Topical, Gel - Topical, Gel, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated
Hypesthesia
50.0 mg, , 100.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 25.0 mg/mL, 0.02 mg/mg, 0.05 mg/mg
, Tablet, film coated, Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Topical, Gel - Topical, Gel, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated
Hirsutism
50.0 mg, , 100.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 25.0 mg/mL, 0.02 mg/mg, 0.05 mg/mg
, Tablet, film coated, Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Topical, Gel - Topical, Gel, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated
nonresponsive to antihypertensive monotherapy
50.0 mg, , 100.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 25.0 mg/mL, 0.02 mg/mg, 0.05 mg/mg
, Tablet, film coated, Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Topical, Gel - Topical, Gel, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated
Hypesthesia
50.0 mg, , 100.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 25.0 mg/mL, 0.02 mg/mg, 0.05 mg/mg
, Tablet, film coated, Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Topical, Gel - Topical, Gel, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated
Cirrhosis
50.0 mg, , 100.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 25.0 mg/mL, 0.02 mg/mg, 0.05 mg/mg
, Tablet, film coated, Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Topical, Gel - Topical, Gel, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated
Nephrotic Syndrome
50.0 mg, , 100.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 25.0 mg/mL, 0.02 mg/mg, 0.05 mg/mg
, Tablet, film coated, Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Topical, Gel - Topical, Gel, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated
Edema
50.0 mg, , 100.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 25.0 mg/mL, 0.02 mg/mg, 0.05 mg/mg
, Tablet, film coated, Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Topical, Gel - Topical, Gel, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated
Acne
50.0 mg, , 100.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 25.0 mg/mL, 0.02 mg/mg, 0.05 mg/mg
, Tablet, film coated, Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Topical, Gel - Topical, Gel, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated
Congestive Heart Failure
50.0 mg, , 100.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 25.0 mg/mL, 0.02 mg/mg, 0.05 mg/mg
, Tablet, film coated, Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Topical, Gel - Topical, Gel, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated
Swollen feet or ankles
50.0 mg, , 100.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 25.0 mg/mL, 0.02 mg/mg, 0.05 mg/mg
, Tablet, film coated, Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Topical, Gel - Topical, Gel, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated
Ascites
50.0 mg, , 100.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 25.0 mg/mL, 0.02 mg/mg, 0.05 mg/mg
, Tablet, film coated, Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Topical, Gel - Topical, Gel, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated
Hypokalemia
50.0 mg, , 100.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 25.0 mg/mL, 0.02 mg/mg, 0.05 mg/mg
, Tablet, film coated, Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Topical, Gel - Topical, Gel, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated
inadequate response to other therapeutic measures
50.0 mg, , 100.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 25.0 mg/mL, 0.02 mg/mg, 0.05 mg/mg
, Tablet, film coated, Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Suspension, Suspension - Oral, Topical, Gel - Topical, Gel, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated
Warnings
Spironolactone ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
significant impairment of renal excretory function
Do Not Combine
Anuria
Do Not Combine
Renal Insufficiency, Acute
Do Not Combine
Hyperkalemia
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Addison's Disease
Do Not Combine
Common Spironolactone Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Amiodarone
Major
The metabolism of Amiodarone can be decreased when combined with Spironolactone.
Brigatinib
Major
The metabolism of Brigatinib can be decreased when combined with Spironolactone.
Cabazitaxel
Major
The metabolism of Cabazitaxel can be decreased when combined with Spironolactone.
Cyclosporine
Major
The risk or severity of hyperkalemia can be increased when Spironolactone is combined with Cyclosporine.
Dabrafenib
Major
The metabolism of Dabrafenib can be decreased when combined with Spironolactone.
Spironolactone Toxicity & Overdose RiskOverdosing on spironolactone can cause drowsiness, confusion, rash, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or diarrhea. Treatment may involve providing fluids, electrolytes, and other supportive care. The toxic dose in mice, rats, and rabbits is above 1g/kg. Spironolactone should not be used during pregnancy as it can cause male fetuses to become feminized. It is present in breast milk, but its long-term effects are unknown. Animal studies have shown that spironolactone can delay fertility and increase the occurrence of certain tumors in both rats and mice. It is not
Spironolactone Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Spironolactone?
165 active studies are currently being conducted to appraise the effectiveness of Spironolactone in treating Hypokalemia, Hirsutism and Nephrotic Syndrome.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Hypesthesia
8 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 1
Acne
6 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4, Early Phase 1, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 2
Hypokalemia
0 Actively Recruiting
Hyperaldosteronism
0 Actively Recruiting
Edema
0 Actively Recruiting
Swollen feet or ankles
40 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Phase 2, Not Applicable, Early Phase 1, Phase 3, Phase 4
nonresponsive to antihypertensive monotherapy
0 Actively Recruiting
Primary Hyperaldosteronism
0 Actively Recruiting
Ascites
10 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 2
inadequate response to other therapeutic measures
0 Actively Recruiting
Nephrotic Syndrome
11 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 3
Secondary hyperaldosteronism
0 Actively Recruiting
Hypertensive disease
19 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3
Cirrhosis
50 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 4, Phase 3, Early Phase 1
Hypesthesia
5 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Early Phase 1, Phase 1
Congestive Heart Failure
22 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 1
Hirsutism
0 Actively Recruiting
Spironolactone Reviews: What are patients saying about Spironolactone?
5Patient Review
8/15/2022 This diuretic was effective in reducing the fluid build-up after my TIPS procedure. A downside is that it made me pretty drowsy; napping became a regular occurrence after taking this medication.
5Patient Review
8/20/2022 I began taking this medication to lower my testosterone level, which was originally at 700. After six months of treatment, my levels had decreased to 12.
4.7Patient Review
7/3/2022 I started taking this medication to help with my hirsutism and it's working well so far! I'm on 200mg/day, which I split into two doses, and the only side effects I've noticed are drowsiness and sensitive nipples. Additionally, I think I can feel breast buds growing under my nipples, which is an unexpected but not unwelcome side effect.
2Patient Review
4/3/2022 I tried this to help with my high blood pressure and the dark hairs on my face. I took one 25mg pill and within a few hours my legs were throbbing with pain (felt like growing pains) and I had to urinate every 30 minutes. If you don't mind those side effects, then go ahead and try it.
1.7Patient Review
8/25/2022 I was prescribed Spiro for low ejection fraction and hypertension. Within two weeks my blood Potassium was in the high critical level. Was about to be hospitalized. Stopped taking spiro and Potassium dropped to a reasonable level. If you find yourself taking this, be sure your potassium is monitored.
1Patient Review
3/7/2022 I tried this medication for hair loss, but it had the unfortunate side effect of making my breasts incredibly large and uneven. I have stopped taking the medication, and I don't know if my breasts will ever go back to normal. If anyone has any information about this, I would appreciate hearing from you.
Patient Q&A Section about spironolactone
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.What does spironolactone do to female hormones?
"Some women experience hormonal acne as a sensitivity to Progesterone. Spironolactone works to control hormonal acne by blocking the effects of androgens and progesterone on the skin."
Answered by AI
What does spironolactone do for PCOS?
"Spironolactone prevents testosterone from binding to hair follicles, which stops it from causing hirsutism. The drug also decreases the amount of androgens produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands."
Answered by AI
What is a major side effect of spironolactone?
"The following effects may occur: drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or headache. To minimize lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position. If any of these effects last or get worse, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly."
Answered by AI
What is the drug spironolactone used for?
"Spironolactone is a medication used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. When combined with other medications, spironolactone can help to lower blood pressure, which reduces the risk of strokes and heart attacks. Spironolactone is also effective in reducing the need for hospitalization for heart failure patients."
Answered by AI