Spironolactone Side Effects

Spironolactone is used with a brand name of aldactone which is a potassium-sparing diuretic that prevents one's body from absorbing too much salt, thereby reducing water retention. It reduces the amount of fluid in body without causing the loss of potassium. It also prevents hypokalemia, a condition in which the potassium levels in blood drops considerably. Other than these, spironolactone is used to treat hypertension, hyperaldosteronism in which adrenal glands produce excess of the hormone aldosterone and edema in patients with congestive heart failure, liver cirrhosis or nephrotic syndrome (a kidney disorder). Despite its potential for treating various medical conditions, there are certain side effects and some precautions should be taken before its use.

Side Effects

Although the side effects of spironolactone do not occur frequently, some are mild ones that individuals can easily tolerate or can be treated by one's physician, while some are of serious kinds. Some of the common side effects are:

• Dry mouth or thirst that are signs of dehydration
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Nasal congestion or sleeplessness

Besides these common ones, some people may experience certain side effects that are more severe in nature. In case, one has any of the following symptoms, then immediate medical attention is required:

• Muscle weakness
• Drop in heart rate
• Hyperkalemia or high levels of potassium in blood
• Breast enlargement (spironolactone side effect in men)
• Breast lumps
• Sore throat
• Extreme weakness
• Yellowing of the skin
• Irregular pulse
• Persistent cough
• Decreased sexual ability
• Alterations in the amount of urine passed daily

In some cases, individuals also develop allergic reactions like skin rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, hives, difficulty in breathing or swallowing and wheezing. These are spironolactone side effects in men and women both. However, there are certain adverse effects in women which include irregular menstrual cycle and tenderness in breasts. This conditions are commonly experienced as side effects for acne.

Precautions

Just having information about spironolactone side effects does not guarantee complete knowledge of the discomforts or complications that may arise due to the use of this drug. If one is prescribed this medicine, he/she should always inform the doctor in case he/she suffers from heart disease, kidney disease, liver problems, diabetes, urinary problems, allergies or sodium and potassium imbalances. The doctor should know if his patient is on steroids or any other diuretic before prescribing spironolactone to him. Aspirin may also decrease the effect of spironolactone. In case, you are buying a non prescription drug and you are not sure if it contains aspirin, confirm the presence of aspirin from the pharmacist. However, for those on spironolactone, it is always advisable to consult one's physician before taking any drug.

In case one has to undergo surgery, even if it is dental surgery, he must inform his doctor if he is using spironolactone. This medicine may increase the amount of potassium in one's blood. In case, one experiences abdominal pain, difficulty in breathing, he must stop using the medicine and contact his doctor immediately. In case, one detects lumps in his body, he should refer to his physician without any delay as this medicine can cause tumors in the body.

Women who are pregnant should be aware of the fact that the drug is harmful for the unborn child. It may also be harmful for babies who receive the drug through breast milk of the mother who has been prescribed this drug. Hence, pregnant and nursing women should avoid spironolactone or consult their physician before taking it. This drug changes fluid imbalance in the body. Hence when one stands up from lying position, he might feel dizzy. To avoid this sensation, always get up gently from a lying position.

Spironolactone is used to treat a number of ailments. However, a knowledge about spironolactone and its side effects is always helpful as one should contact one's doctor immediately at the slightest side effect that he may experience.