What are the side effects of taking spironolactone?

Spironolactone may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• vomiting.
• diarrhea.
• stomach pain or cramps.
• enlarged or painful breasts in men or women.
• irregular menstrual periods.

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Similarly one may ask, is Spironolactone safe for long term use?

BACKGROUND: Spironolactone has been used for over 20 years as an antiandrogen in the treatment of acne and hirsutism. No long-term studies of the safety of spironolactone used in this manner have been published. The long-term use of spironolactone in the treatment of acne in women appears to be safe.

One may also ask, what is the drug spironolactone used for? Spironolactone is used to treat heart failure, high blood pressure (hypertension), or hypokalemia (low potassium levels in the blood). Spironolactone also treats fluid retention (edema) in people with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, or a kidney disorder called nephrotic syndrome.

Similarly, it is asked, what foods should be avoided when taking spironolactone?

Avoid taking salt substitutes that contain potassium or potassium supplements while taking spironolactone. Try to avoid foods high in potassium (such as avocados, bananas, coconut water, spinach, and sweet potato) because eating these foods may lead to potentially fatal hyperkalemia (high blood potassium levels).

Is weight gain a side effect of spironolactone?

There are concerns that spironolactone can cause weight gain, but there isn't much evidence it does. For example, the package insert for the drug doesn't list weight gain as a side effect. Along with weight gain, many people worry that spironolactone will make their skin look worse when they first start taking it.

Related Question Answers

Should I drink more water when taking spironolactone?

These conditions may cause you to lose too much water or salt and may lead to low blood pressure. You can also lose water by sweating, so drink plenty of water during exercise or in hot weather. This medicine may cause swelling of the breasts (gynecomastia) and breast pain in some patients.

Is it better to take spironolactone in the morning or at night?

How to use Spironolactone. Take this medication by mouth, as directed by your doctor. If stomach upset occurs, take it with food or milk. It is best to take your dose early in the day (before 6 p.m.) to prevent having to get up during the night to urinate.

Does spironolactone make you tired?

YOU CAN FEEL MORE TIRED THAN USUAL "Spironolactone blocks the hormone aldosterone, which can lead to fatigue," Dr. Shah explains. "In addition, it can lower the blood pressure, and if this drop is sudden, you may feel tired."

Does spironolactone cause mood swings?

Of the individual symptoms, spironolactone significantly improved irritability, depression, feeling of swelling, breast tenderness and food craving in comparison to placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Spironolactone appears to be an effective therapy for the negative mood changes and somatic symptoms in PMS.

Can spironolactone help me lose weight?

Spironolactone is a prescription medication. There is no evidence that spironolactone works specifically for weight loss. But spironolactone might help reduce weight that's related to fluid retention, especially in women with bloating and swelling due to PMS.

Is 25 mg of spironolactone enough?

Spironolactone will help with acne on the face, back, and chest. The majority of sides effects associated with spironolactone are dose dependent; low-dose therapy (25–50 mg daily) generally is well tolerated, and even 100 mg daily is not problematic in most cases.

Does spironolactone cause hair loss?

Spironolactone slows down the production of androgens. These are male sex hormones, including testosterone. Reduced production of androgens can slow down the progression of hair loss caused by androgenic alopecia. This combination was associated with reduced shedding, increased hair growth, and thicker hair.

Is Spironolactone bad for your kidneys?

Spironolactone may worsen kidney function in patients with low to no salt in their body or in those who take other blood pressure medicines (eg, ARB, ACE inhibitor). These conditions may cause you to lose too much water or salt and may lead to low blood pressure.

How long does it take spironolactone to clear acne?

"If the oil glands do not make as much oil, there will be fewer blockages in the pores, less food to feed acne-causing bacteria, and less shininess," he says. Spironolactone results typically appear within a few weeks, but Zeichner says the drug reaches "peak effect" at around three months.

Is it OK to take ibuprofen with spironolactone?

ibuprofen spironolactone Before taking spironolactone, tell your doctor if you also use ibuprofen. You may need dose adjustments or special tests in order to safely take both medications together. Do not stop using your medications without first talking to your doctor first.

How long should you take spironolactone?

Spironolactone controls high blood pressure, edema, heart failure, and hyperaldosteronism but does not cure these conditions. It may take about 2 weeks or longer before the full effect of spironolactone occurs. Continue to take spironolactone even if you feel well.

Does spironolactone cause leg cramps?

mild nausea or vomiting, diarrhea; breast swelling or tenderness; dizziness, headache, mild drowsiness; leg cramps; or.

Can spironolactone cause yeast infections?

Women should try this before turning to antibiotics. Spironolactone is typically used to ease high blood pressure and edema. The side effects associated with oral antibiotics include stomach pain, yeast infections, and sun sensitivity in the short term and things like inflammatory bowel disease in the long term.

Does spironolactone dehydrate you?

Diuretics help you to lose water, so you can breathe or move more easily. If, however, you lose too much fluid, you may become dehydrated. Because spironolactone is a potassium-conserving diuretic, you should try to avoid things with a high potassium content, such as 'salt substitutes' or low-sodium salt.

How many mg of spironolactone should I take for acne?

DOSAGES. The dosage of spironolactone for acne is 25-200 mg/day in one to two divided doses. A study that used 50 mg spironolactone twice a day on Days 5 through 21 of women's menstrual cycle had a high rate of success with low incidence of side effects (Harper, 2006).

Does spironolactone lower heart rate?

Spironolactone is commonly known as a potassium-sparing diuretic, which means in exchange for relieving the body of sodium and water, it makes the body retain potassium. This is how spironolactone works to protect the heart, lower blood pressure, and help with any leg swelling that a weak heart can cause.

Can you just stop taking spironolactone for acne?

Spironolactone is not a cure-all pill and won't rid you of acne forever. It is prescribed to be taken daily but according to Dr Mahto, acne can return when it is discontinued. "Spironolactone can be safely taken for many years if necessary," she adds.

How long does it take spironolactone to work for facial hair?

Spironolactone is very effective in lessening hair growth and improving acne for young women, especially those taking oral contraceptive pills. Most young women taking this medication will see positive results; however, it can take up to 6 months to see an improvement in symptoms.

How safe is spironolactone?

Spironolactone is generally considered safe for healthy women. Taking both spironolactone and the pill can increase effectiveness. This combination has another advantage. It's essential to use birth control while taking spironolactone.