What side effects are possible with this medication?
A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal
doses. A side effect may be mild or severe, temporary or permanent, but does
not occur in everyone. Not everyone will experience side effects, and which
side effects a person experiences cannot be anticipated.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking
this medication. If you develop any of these side effects (or any other side
effects not listed here) or they change in intensity, speak to your doctor or
pharmacist for advice on managing them and on the risks and benefits of
the medication.
- bleeding after menopause
- constipation
- decreased sexual ability
- dizziness or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position
- drowsiness
- enlargement of breasts (men)
- headache
- increased sensitivity of skin to sunlight
- irregular menstrual periods
- loss of appetite
- nausea and vomiting
- signs and symptoms of high blood potassium levels (hyperkalemia)
- confusion
- irregular heartbeat
- nervousness
- numbness or tingling in hands, feet, or lips
- shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- unusual tiredness or muscle weakness
- weakness or heaviness of legs
- stomach cramps and diarrhea
Click here to learn about serious side effects that can potentially occur with any medication. These examples are provided for information purposes only and are not meant to be exhaustive. Always consult your doctor for sound medical advice specific to your particular medication and treatment.
Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
Be sure to inform your doctor of all your medical conditions before you
begin taking a medication. Some conditions can affect how you should take this
medication.
Breast enlargement in men: Men may develop breast enlargement with the
use of spironolactone. If this occurs, tell your doctor. In the great majority
of cases, breast enlargement disappears once the medication is stopped.
Dizziness: Spironolactone - hydrochlorothiazide may cause dizziness
or lightheadedness when moving from a lying or sitting to an upright position.
Gout: People with high levels of uric acid in their blood or a history
of gout should use this medication with caution. Gout may be brought on by use
of spironolactone - hydrochlorothiazide.
Liver function impairment: People with liver function impairment should
be monitored closely by their doctor while taking this medication.
Possible association with cancer: There may be an increased risk of
cancer with this medication. Unnecessary use of this medication should be avoided.
Potassium, magnesium, sodium and chloride: This medication can cause
potassium, magnesium, sodium and chloride imbalances. You will need to have
regular blood tests while you are taking this medication. Do not take potassium
supplements (including dietary potassium) at the same time as spironolactone
unless directed to do so by your doctor. Warning signs or symptoms of potassium,
magnesium, sodium or chloride imbalance include:
- confusion
- drowsiness
- dryness of mouth
- lethargy
- low blood pressure
- muscle pains or cramps
- muscular fatigue
- nausea and vomiting
- racing heartbeat
- restlessness
- seizures
- thirst
- weakness
Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless
the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication,
contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: This medication passes into breast milk. If you are
a breast-feeding mother and are taking spironolactone, it may affect your baby.
Talk to your doctor about whether you will need to stop taking spironolactone
or stop breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of this medication have not been
established for children.
What other drugs could interact with this medication?
An interaction between medications does not always mean that you must stop
taking one of them. The following medications may affect the way spironolactone
works, be affected by spironolactone, or increase the risk of side effects:
- ACE inhibitors (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors; e.g., captopril,
enalapril, lisinopril, ramipril)
- ACTH
- anti-diabetes medications (e.g., insulin, glyburide)
- barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital)
- cholestyramine
- colestipol
- corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone)
- diazoxide
- digoxin
- furosemide
- lithium
- medications which increase potassium levels (such as potassium supplements,
triamterene, amiloride, heparin, cyclosporine, and salt substitutes containing
potassium)
- narcotics (e.g., codeine, morphine)
- norepinephrine
- NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen)
- other medications that reduce blood pressure
If you are taking any of these or other medications (including non-prescription,
herbal, and supplement products), speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending
on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to change your therapy
or suggest ways of managing any interactions. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine
from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications,
you should let your prescriber know if you use them.