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Spironolactone

Pronounced

"SPY-row-no-LACK-tone"

Common brand names:

Aldactone

Uses

Spironolactone is used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. 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.

This medication is also used to treat conditions in which the body is making too much of a natural substance (aldosterone).

Spironolactone is known as a "water pill" (potassium-sparing diuretic).

Other Uses

This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This drug may also be used for excessive hair growth (hirsutism) in women with polycystic ovary disease.

How to Use This Medication

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor. If stomach upset occurs, take it with food or milk. It is best to take your dose early in the day (before 6 p.m.) to prevent having to get up during the night to urinate. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

If you are using the liquid form of this medication, shake the bottle well before each dose. Carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. You may take the liquid form of this medication with or without food, but it is important to choose one way and take it the same way with every dose.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Children's dosage is also based on weight.

Take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time(s) each day as directed. Keep taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.

Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose, take it more often than prescribed, or stop using this medicine without first consulting your doctor. Your condition may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse (for example, your blood pressure readings remain high or increase).

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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

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Information expires December 2025.