| name | Spironolactone |
| Classification | Potassium-sparing diuretic, aldosterone antagonist |
| Pharmacokinetics | Spironolactone is primarily metabolized in the liver. The elimination half-life is variable, typically ranging from 1.4 to 17 hours, but can be longer in some patients. It is excreted primarily in the urine, though some metabolites are also excreted in the bile. |
| suggested dosage | | adult male 25 years 70kg | | initial dose | 25-50mg once daily, titrated upward as needed based on response and tolerance | | maintenance dose | 25-100mg once daily to 200mg/day in divided doses. | | important notes | Dosage should be individualized based on the specific condition being treated and patient response. Always follow your doctor's instructions. |
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| indications | | 1 | Hypertension | | 2 | Edema associated with congestive heart failure | | 3 | Primary hyperaldosteronism | | 4 | Hirsutism (excess hair growth) in women | | 5 | Acne in women | | 6 | Premenstrual syndrome symptoms (PMS) |
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| safety in pregnancy | | category c | Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Adequate studies are not available, and it is unknown whether spironolactone can cause fetal harm. | | additional notes | Consult your doctor to discuss the risks and benefits of use in pregnancy. |
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| safety in breastfeeding | | potential excretion | Spironolactone and its metabolites are excreted into breast milk. The amount is likely to be small, but this is not consistently well-studied, and effects on the infant are unknown. | | additional notes | Consult your doctor before taking spironolactone if breastfeeding. |
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| side effects | | 1 | Hyperkalemia (high potassium levels) | | 2 | Gynecomastia (breast enlargement) | | 3 | Menstrual irregularities | | 4 | Fatigue | | 5 | Dizziness | | 6 | Headache | | 7 | Nausea | | 8 | Vomiting | | 9 | Diarrhea | | 10 | Loss of appetite | | 11 | Weakness | | 12 | Hypotension | | 13 | Skin rash | | 14 | Paresthesias | | 15 | Impotence |
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| alternatives | |
| contraindications | | 1 | Severe kidney disease | | 2 | Hyperkalemia (high potassium levels) | | 3 | Severe liver disease | | 4 | Hypersensitivity to spironolactone | | 5 | Concurrent use of potassium supplements or other potassium-sparing diuretics |
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| interactions | | 1 | Potassium-containing salt substitutes | | 2 | Potassium-sparing diuretics | | 3 | ACE inhibitors | | 4 | NSAIDs | | 5 | Lithium | | 6 | Ciclosporin | | 7 | Digoxin |
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| warnings and precautions | | 1 | Monitor potassium levels closely, especially in patients with renal impairment or those taking other medications that can affect potassium balance. | | 2 | Caution is necessary in patients with liver disease. | | 3 | Avoid use with potassium supplements or other potassium-sparing diuretics. | | 4 | Monitor blood pressure and electrolytes regularly. | | 5 | Gradually increase dosage to reduce the risk of adverse effects. |
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| additional information | | important note | This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting or stopping any medication. | | special consideration for 25year old male | Gynecomastia can be a potential side effect in males, but is less common than in females. This would need to be discussed with a physician if it occurs. |
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