Spironolactone Side Effects and Warnings

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• If you are taking this medicine for acne, you should be at least 15 years of age.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• Avoid potassium-containing salt substitutes, potassium-sparing diuretics, and potassium supplements.

• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).

• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• High potassium level. Signs include feeling weak, lightheaded, dizzy, feel like passing out, or have numbness or tingling.

• Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing.

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

• Change in sexual ability or desire. This is usually reversible.

• For females, breast tenderness or deepening of voice.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Severe dizziness or passing out.

• Severe nausea or vomiting.

• Severe diarrhea.

• For females, menstrual changes. These include lots of bleeding, spotting, or bleeding between cycles.

• For males, enlarged breasts.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.