Spironolactone

Spironolactone is a diuretic, which is often also called a water pill. Diuretics are used to treat high blood pressure and congestive heart failure usually in combination with other medications. Spironolactone controls high blood pressure but does not cure it, so keep taking it even if you feel well. Do not stop taking it without first talking to your doctor.

How does it work?
Diuretics act on your kidneys to produce more urine and remove excess salt and water from your body. By decreasing water and salt, they lower your blood pressure and help reduce the workload on your heart. This may make it easier for your heart to pump, make you feel less short of breath, reduce swelling and bloating, reduce the time you spend in hospital and help you live longer.

What should I avoid while taking this medicine?
Limit the amount of salt you consume. Do not use salt substitutes without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist. Talk with your doctor or health professional about whether you should restrict the amount of fluids you drink. Spironolactone may make you drowsy, so until you know how it will affect you, you may want to avoid driving a car. Drinking alcohol can also add to the drugs drowsy effect.

How should I take it?
Spironolactone can be taken with or without food. Since diuretics work on the kidney to make more urine, you will find you have to go to the bathroom more often. It may help if you take your mediation at least six hours before bedtime so you do not have to get up during the night. Always talk to your doctor to find out how and when you should take your medication.

What if I am taking other medicines?
Always tell your doctor and pharmacist about any other medication you are taking including prescription, non-prescription, over-the-counter or natural health products (vitamins and minerals, herbal remedies, homeopathic medicines, traditional medicines such as traditional Chinese medicines, probiotics and other products like amino acids and essential fatty acids). In general, you should only use potassium supplements under close monitoring as potassium levels may increase while on spironolactone.

What are some common side effects?
Like any medication, spironolactone may cause side effects including feeling dizzy or lightheaded, upset stomach (taking your medication with food may help), dry mouth (your doctor or pharmacist may suggest that you chew gum, suck on ice chips or hard candies but it is important not drink more fluids), skin rash, muscle cramps or spasms (see your doctor if they are severe), swelling and tenderness of the breasts (males and females). If any side effects continue or become worse, call your doctor.

Lifestyle changes
Eating a healthy diet that is lower in fat, especially saturated and trans fats, being smoke free, limiting alcohol use, being physically active and reducing stress are also important in lowering the risk of heart disease. Talk to your health-care practitioner about how you can achieve these lifestyle changes.

Where can I get more information?
For warnings, recalls and other clinical drug information:

1. Health Canada Drugs and Health Products http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/prodpharma/index_e.html
2. Drugs and Health Products: Advisories, Warnings and Recalls http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/medeff/advisories-avis/index_e.html

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