Spironolactone (brand names: Aldactone®, Prilactone®, Tempora®, CaroSpir®) is a potassium sparing diuretic used as an adjunctive therapy to treat congestive heart failure. It has also been used to treat fluid accumulation in the abdomen and may be effective for treating kidney disease or high blood pressurehigh blood pressureHypertensive encephalopathy (HE) is general brain dysfunction due to significantly high blood pressure. Symptoms may include headache, vomiting, trouble with balance, and confusion. Onset is generally sudden..
General Drug Information and Indications Spironolactone is a diuretic that is used in dogs and cats to treat congestive heart failure and other conditions where the body retains excess fluid.
The most common side effects include increased drinking and urinating, mild decreases in energy, mild electrolyte imbalances, or vomiting and diarrhea. Other possible side effects include breast tissue growth in males.
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. It is also used to treat swelling (edema) caused by certain conditions (such as heart failure, liver disease) by removing excess fluid and improving symptoms such as breathing problems.
SPIRONOLACTONE (speer on oh LAK tone) is a diuretic. It helps you make more urine and to lose excess water from your body.
SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, drowsiness, lightheadedness, loss of appetite, or diarrhea may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Spironolactone is used to help manage refractory edema or fluid retention due to congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, ascites, hypertension, feline primary hyperaldosteronism, and nephrotic syndrome. It is used with furosemide, digoxin, and ACE 1 inhibitors in dogs with chronic congestive heart failure.
Drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or headache may occur. To minimize lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position. If any of these effects last or get worse, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Diuretics, or water pills, are used to treat conditions like high blood pressure, glaucoma, and edema, but as with all medications, they come with some risks. Popular diuretics include hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide, and spironolactone. They are associated with a risk for acute kidney injury.
Spironolactone is a prescription medication that is not FDA approved for use in animals; however, it is a commonly accepted practice for veterinarians to use spironolactone in dogs and cats. Spironolactone is available as 25mg scored tablets. The usual dose in dogs and cats is 0.5-1mg per pound every 12 hours.
Since spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, you should avoid taking potassium in your supplements or sports drinks and avoid eating too many high potassium foods such as papaya, cantaloupe, prune juice, honeydew melons, bananas, raisins, mangoes, kiwis, oranges, orange juice, tomatoes, tomato juice, white and