spironolactone
Spironolactone is used to treat certain patients with hyperaldosteronism (the body produces too much aldosterone, a naturally occurring hormone); low potassium levels; heart failure; and in patients with edema (fluid retention) caused by various conditions, including liver, or kidney disease. It is also used alone or with other medications to treat high blood pressure. Spironolactone is in a class of medications called aldosterone receptor antagonists. It causes the kidneys to eliminate unneeded water and sodium from the body into the urine but reduces the loss of potassium from the body. High blood pressure is a common condition and when not treated, can cause damage to the brain, heart, blood vessels, kidneys and other parts of the body. Damage to these organs may cause heart disease, a heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, loss of vision, and other problems. In addition to taking medication, making lifestyle changes will also help to control your blood pressure. These changes include eating a diet that is low in fat and salt, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising at least 30 minutes most days, not smoking, and using alcohol in moderation.
Full drug information on MedlinePlus →This is general information, not medical advice. Pregnancy and breastfeeding decisions should always be made with your healthcare provider.
Can taking spironolactone affect fertility or make it harder to get pregnant?
Studies have not specifically looked at whether spironolactone makes it harder for women to get pregnant. However, spironolactone can cause changes in the menstrual cycle, delay puberty, and delay ovulation, which might make conception more difficult. If you have questions about fertility while taking this medication, it is best to discuss them with your healthcare provider.
Does taking spironolactone increase the risk of miscarriage?
Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. According to the available information, there is no suggestion that taking spironolactone increases the chance of miscarriage. Any concerns about pregnancy loss should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Does taking spironolactone increase the risk of birth defects?
About 3 out of 100 babies are born with a birth defect for various reasons, and it is not known whether spironolactone increases this baseline chance. Animal studies have suggested a possible chance of feminization in male offspring with early-pregnancy exposure, but it is unknown if this occurs in humans, and case reports of exposed pregnancies have described children without birth defects or decreased virilization. Decisions about using this medication during pregnancy should be made with your healthcare provider.
Can taking spironolactone during pregnancy cause other pregnancy-related complications?
It is not known whether spironolactone increases the chance of pregnancy-related problems such as preterm delivery or low birth weight. It is worth noting that some of the underlying conditions spironolactone is used to treat can themselves raise the chance of pregnancy complications. Your healthcare provider can help weigh the benefits of treatment against the risks of untreated illness.
Can taking spironolactone during pregnancy affect the child's brain development, learning, or behavior?
Studies have not been done to determine whether spironolactone exposure during pregnancy increases the chance of behavior or learning issues later in childhood. Because this information is not available, any concerns about long-term child development should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking spironolactone?
Spironolactone passes into breast milk in small amounts, and these amounts are not expected to cause side effects in most nursing infants. If a nursing baby develops symptoms such as drowsiness or trouble feeding, the child's healthcare provider should be contacted. Any questions about breastfeeding while taking this medication should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Source: MotherToBaby Fact Sheet
spironolactone