Spironolactone
Also sold as: Aldactone
Prescription neededWater pills (diuretics)
Comes as:Tablet
Usual adult dose
Heart failure: 25 mg once a day (up to 50 mg). Fluid in the belly (ascites) or swelling: 100 to 400 mg a day as set by your doctor. Resistant high blood pressure: 25 to 50 mg a day. Regular potassium blood tests are needed.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- breast tenderness or swelling in men
- irregular periods
- dizziness
- nausea
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- very high potassium (weakness
- irregular heartbeat)
- kidney problems
- severe skin rash
Do not take it, or take care, if
- High potassium
- Severe kidney disease
- Addison disease
- Taking potassium supplements
Interactions
Medicines that can react with this one.
Serious13 medicinesDo not take these together unless your doctor says so.
- Candesartan
Together they can raise potassium to dangerous levels; blood tests are needed.
- Captopril