Baseline. C Spironolactone had no effect on blood alcohol levels 30 min and 90 min after systemic administration of alcohol (1.5 g/kg).
Contents
- 1 Can I drink alcohol after taking spironolactone?
- 2 Does spironolactone cause worse hangovers?
- 3 Can spironolactone reduce belly fat?
- 4 Why drink a lot of water on spironolactone?
- 5 What happens if I stop taking spironolactone for a few days?
- 6 Can you take spironolactone for acne forever?
- 7 Is spironolactone anti aging?
- 8 Does spironolactone affect emotions?
- 9 Does spironolactone ruin hair?
- 10 Why can’t you take spironolactone at night?
- 11 Does spironolactone change breast size?
- 12 Does spironolactone clear skin?
Can I drink alcohol after taking spironolactone?
How does spironolactone work? Spironolactone is a type of medicine called a potassium-sparing diuretic. Diuretics are medicines that make you pee more. Unlike other types of diuretic, spironolactone does not make your body lose potassium. It works by stopping aldosterone (a hormone made by the adrenal glands) from working in a part of the kidneys called the distal tubules.
- This changes the salt and water balance in your body and increases the amount of water and salt you pee out.
- Spironolactone also lowers the amount of testosterone that your body makes.
- It does this by affecting a protein that is involved in making testosterone.
- When will I feel better? For oedema, spironolactone usually starts working after 2 or 3 days, but it can sometimes take longer.
For high blood pressure (hypertension), it can take up to 2 weeks for spironolactone to work. If you’re taking it for high blood pressure you may not have any symptoms, and so you may not feel any different when you take spironolactone. This does not mean that the medicine is not working.
It’s important to keep taking it. Are there any long-term side effects? You can take spironolactone for a long time, but you will have to see your doctor or nurse occasionally for blood tests. These tests make sure the chemicals in your blood such as potassium are properly balanced. How often you need to see your doctor or nurse for these tests will depend on the reason why you’re taking spironolactone, if your dose has changed recently, how old you are, and if you have any other health problems such as kidney or liver disease.
What will happen if I stop taking it? Talk to your doctor if you want to stop taking spironolactone. If you stop it too soon, your condition may get worse. If you’re taking it for oedema, stopping it can cause fluid to build up in your body again. If you are taking it for high blood pressure (hypertension), stopping it can cause your blood pressure to rise again.
- If you’re bothered by side effects, your doctor may be able to prescribe you a different medicine.
- Will I lose or gain weight? If you’re taking spironolactone for oedema, you will lose some weight as you pee out the extra fluid.
- If you’re losing a lot of weight soon after starting spironolactone, this can be a sign you are losing too much fluid and are becoming dehydrated.
If you notice this happen, tell your doctor. Do not take spironolactone to lose weight. Only take spironolactone if it’s been prescribed, and only for the reason your doctor has prescribed it for you. Can spironolactone be used for hormonal conditions such as acne? Because it affects hormones, spironolactone is sometimes used to treat acne in women, excessive hair growth in women (hirsutism), and some types of hair loss (alopecia) in women, and to reduce testosterone in trans women.
It will need to be prescribed by a specialist for these conditions. For acne, it can take up to 3 months before you notice any improvement. For excessive hair growth and hair loss, it can take up to 6 months before you notice any improvement. Will it affect my contraception? Spironolactone does not affect any type of contraception, including the combined pill and emergency contraception,
Some hormonal contraceptives can reduce hormonal side effects of spironolactone, including breast pain and irregular periods. However, some types of hormonal contraception are not usually recommended if you have conditions that spironolactone is used to treat, such as high blood pressure or liver disease.
- Talk to your doctor if you’re taking or want to start hormonal contraceptives.
- If spironolactone makes you vomit, your contraceptive pills may not protect you from pregnancy.
- Look on the pill packet to find out what to do.
- Read more about what to do if you’re on the pill and you’re being sick,
- Can I drive or ride a bike? Spironolactone can make some people feel dizzy or tired, especially when they first start taking it or after taking a bigger dose.
If this happens to you, do not drive a car or ride a bike until you feel better. It might be best to stop driving and cycling for the first few days of treatment until you know how this medicine makes you feel. It’s an offence to drive a car if your ability to drive safely is affected.
- It’s your responsibility to decide if it’s safe to drive.
- If you’re in any doubt, do not drive.
- Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you’re unsure whether it’s safe for you to drive while taking spironolactone.
- GOV.UK has more information on the law on drugs and driving,
- Can I drink alcohol while taking spironolactone? Spironolactone is used to treat conditions such as liver disease, where alcohol should be avoided.
If you’re taking spironolactone for these conditions, do not drink alcohol. If you’re taking it for other conditions, you can drink alcohol. But try to keep to the recommended guidelines of no more than 14 units of alcohol a week and no more than 2 units per day.
- A standard glass of wine (175ml) is 2 units.
- A pint of lager or beer is usually 2 to 3 units of alcohol.
- Spironolactone can make some people feel dizzy or sleepy.
- If this happens to you, try not to drink alcohol as it may make you feel worse.
- Is there any food or drink I need to avoid? Do not have low-sodium salt or salt substitutes, such as Lo-Salt, because they contain a lot of potassium.
Using these with spironolactone can make your potassium levels too high. Try to limit other food and drink that contains a lot of potassium, including bananas, avocados, pulses, nuts and salmon. Your doctor or dietitian can help you make a low potassium diet.
How long does spironolactone stay in your system?
6. Response and effectiveness –
Spironolactone is metabolized into active sulfur-containing substances, and peak concentrations are reached within three to five hours. The effects of one dose of spironolactone usually last for 24 hours.
How long does it take for spironolactone to be absorbed?
12.3 Pharmacokinetics – Absorption The mean time to reach peak plasma concentration of spironolactone and the active metabolite, canrenone, in healthy volunteers is 2.6 and 4.3 hours, respectively. Effect of food: Food increased the bioavailability of spironolactone (as measured by AUC) by approximately 95.4%.
- Patients should establish a routine pattern for taking ALDACTONE with regard to meals,
- Distribution Spironolactone and its metabolites are more than 90% bound to plasma proteins.
- Elimination The mean half-life of spironolactone is 1.4 hour.
- The mean half-life values of its metabolites including canrenone, 7-α-(thiomethyl) spirolactone (TMS), and 6-β-hydroxy-7-α-(thiomethyl) spirolactone (HTMS) are 16.5, 13.8, and 15 hours, respectively.
Metabolism: Spironolactone is rapidly and extensively metabolized. Metabolites can be divided into two main categories: those in which sulfur of the parent molecule is removed (e.g., canrenone) and those in which the sulfur is retained (e.g., TMS and HTMS).
- In humans, the potencies of TMS and 7-α-thiospirolactone in reversing the effects of the synthetic mineralocorticoid, fludrocortisone, on urinary electrolyte composition were approximately a third relative to spironolactone.
- However, since the serum concentrations of these steroids were not determined, their incomplete absorption and/or first-pass metabolism could not be ruled out as a reason for their reduced in vivo activities.
Excretion: The metabolites are excreted primarily in the urine and secondarily in bile. Specific Populations The impact of age, sex, race/ethnicity, and renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics of spironolactone have not been specifically studied. Patients with Hepatic Impairment: The terminal half-life of spironolactone has been reported to be increased in patients with cirrhotic ascites,
Drug Interaction Studies: Drugs and Supplements Increasing Serum Potassium: Concomitant administration of ALDACTONE with potassium supplementation, salt substitutes containing potassium, a diet rich in potassium, or drugs that can increase potassium, including ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II antagonists, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), heparin and low molecular weight heparin, may lead to severe hyperkalemia,
Lithium: ALDACTONE reduces the renal clearance of lithium, inducing a high risk of lithium toxicity, Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): In some patients, the administration of an NSAID can reduce the diuretic, natriuretic, and antihypertensive effect of loop, potassium-sparing, and thiazide diuretics,
Does spironolactone cause worse hangovers?
Reduced Hangover Symptoms – Spironolactone has also been used to reduce the severity of hangover symptoms. This can be especially beneficial for individuals who have developed a high tolerance to alcohol, as it can help them cope with the physical and mental distress associated with heavy drinking.
Can spironolactone reduce belly fat?
Effectiveness – Spironolactone effectively reduces fluid retention, however, it is not effective in eliminating body fat. It is not a long-term or safe method for weight loss,
Why drink a lot of water on spironolactone?
How Much Water Should I Drink When Taking Spironolactone? – Since spironolactone causes the kidney to eliminate excess fluid, it is common to experience dehydration while on it. The recommended amount of fluid you should consume to stay hydrated is 1.5 to 2 liters per day.
What happens if I stop taking spironolactone for a few days?
– Spironolactone is used for long-term treatment. It comes with serious risks if you don’t take it as prescribed. If you do not take it at all: If you do not take this drug, your blood pressure will stay high. This can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Fluid may also build up in your body.
This can cause serious worsening of kidney and liver disease. If you stop taking it suddenly: If you stop taking this drug, you may start retaining water. You may also have a sudden increase in your blood pressure. This can lead to a heart attack or stroke. If you do not take it on schedule: If you don’t take this drug on schedule, your blood pressure might not be managed.
This can lead to a heart attack or stroke. What to do if you miss a dose: If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s just a few hours before the time for your next dose, then wait and only take one dose at that time. Never try to catch up by taking two doses at once.
- drowsiness
- confusion
- skin rash
- nausea
- vomiting
- dizziness
- diarrhea
- changes in your body’s electrolytes, which can cause irregular heart rate or muscle pain and cramping
If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, contact your doctor right away. You can also call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool, If your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away. How to tell the drug is working: You may not be able to tell whether this drug is working or not.
Can you take spironolactone for acne forever?
Some important points to consider if you are thinking about taking Spironolactone for acne: –
Spironolactone does not work for everyone but helps at 65% of women with hormonal acne (if not more). It is not possible to predict who may benefit and who may not.Some women may clear completely with Spironolactone. In other women, Spironolactone may reduce the rate of acne but not clear it completely. This means you may still need other acne treatments while taking Spironolactone.Spironolactone can take 3 to 6 months to have its full effects. Waiting for the results can be very frustrating.Spironolactone only works while you are taking it. This means your acne may come back when you stop. Women may be on Spironolactone for 1 or 2 years or sometimes for several years.Spironolactone can cause side effects. About 1 in 20 of women may need to reduce or come off Spironolactone because of side effects (see below).
Is spironolactone hard on the body?
Spironolactone can cause loss of sodium through the urine. This can lead to low blood sodium (hyponatremia). Similar to high potassium, low sodium is a common side effect that can become serious. Sodium also helps the heart beat properly.
Why do I feel weird after taking spironolactone?
Precautions – Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex ® It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to take it. Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.
Do not take this medicine together with eplerenone (Inspra®). Using these medicines together may cause serious unwanted effects. Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This especially includes potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium, certain diuretics (eg, amiloride, triamterene (Dyazide®, Dyrenium®, Maxzide®, Midamor®, Moduretic®), or other products containing spironolactone (Aldactazide®).
Hyperkalemia (high potassium in the blood) may occur while you are using this medicine. Check with your doctor right away if you have the following symptoms: stomach pain, confusion, difficulty with breathing, irregular heartbeat, nausea or vomiting, nervousness, numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips, or weakness or heaviness of the legs.
Ask your doctor before you use any medicine, supplement, or salt substitute that contains potassium. Spironolactone may worsen kidney function in patients with low to no salt in their body or in those who take other blood pressure medicines (eg, ARB, ACE inhibitor). Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about this.
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may also occur, especially when you get up suddenly from a lying or sitting position. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. If you feel dizzy, lie down so you do not faint.
Then sit for a few moments before standing to prevent the dizziness from returning. This medicine may also cause electrolyte imbalances (including low sodium, magnesium, and calcium in the blood, hypochloremic alkalosis) and an increase in your uric acid and blood sugar levels. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.
Check with your doctor right away if you become sick while taking this medicine, especially if you have severe or continuing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea that does not stop. These conditions may cause you to lose too much water or salt and may lead to low blood pressure.
Is spironolactone anti aging?
Histologically, application of spironolactone remarkably reduced the aging-like skin changes to the nearly normal condition (Fig.
Is it OK to take spironolactone once a day?
Dosage and strength – Spironolactone tablets come in strengths of 12.5mg, 25mg, 50mg and 100mg. How much spironolactone you need to take depends on why you’re taking it. Your dose may need to be changed a few times before you find the dose that’s right for you. The usual dose for adults is:
heart failure – 25mg once a day as a starting dose. Depending on how well it works for you, the dose can be from 25mg every other day to 50mg once a daybuild-up of fluid caused by liver disease (ascites) – between 100mg and 400mg a dayoedema caused by heart failure – 100mg a day as a starting dose. Depending on well it works for you, the dose can be between 25mg and 200mg a daynephrotic syndrome (a condition caused by kidney disease) – between 100mg and 200mg a dayhigh aldosterone levels – 400mg a day as a starting dose, for a few days to a few weeks, to check if high aldosterone levels are the cause of your symptoms. Once confirmed, the long-term dose can be between 100mg and 400mg a dayhigh blood pressure (hypertension) – 25mg a day
Doses are usually lower for people over 65 years as they may be more likely to get side effects. For babies and children, your child’s doctor will use your child’s weight or age to work out the right dose.
Does spironolactone affect emotions?
Abstract – Objective No single drug is broadly efficacious in the long-term treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Spironolactone is known to ameliorate mood and tension headache or migraine in women with premenstrual syndrome or clinical signs of hyperandrogenism.
In a case series of women with treatment resistant FMS spironolactone was therefore added to their medication, and they were observed for at least 12 months. Methods 31 women with treatment-resistant FMS received spironolactone as add-on medication to various pain modulating drugs.15 women responded to spironolactone and baseline data were compared with assessments over 12-14 months on treatment with spironolactone (ALDACTONE®) in dose range 100-200 mg/day.
The efficacy was evaluated by the fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ) total score and 8 FIQ subtests, a German mood inventory (BSKE-EWL), and further assessments of changes in relevant psychological and physical complaints.16 women had no effect and stopped the treatment early.
Results The subsequent data refer to the 15 responders. The FIQ total score (maximal score = 80) decreased from 56.6 ± 10.0 at baseline to 17.1 ± 11.9 (mean ± SD) 12-14 months later, and pain intensity on an 11 point numeric rating scale (NRS) decreased from 8.8 ± 1.6 to 2.6 ± 1.9 (mean ± SD). Similar changes in FIQ subscores were found for fatigue, morning tiredness, stiffness, anxiety, and depression.
Emotional functioning consistently improved: positive mood from 20.0 ± 5.4 to 37.7 ± 5.4 (maximal score = 48), and negative mood from 35.4 ± 5.3 to 10.0 ± 4.4 (maximal score = 60) (each mean ± SD) as well as other mental and physical dysfunctions including non-restorative sleep.
- All these changes at 4-6 weeks remained on this level for 11-13 months.
- The drug was well-tolerated and safe, no serious adverse effects were observed.
- Regular monitoring of serum potassium did not reveal hyperkalemia.
- All 15 women were able to reduce or discontinue concomitant drugs.
- Conclusion Fifteen of 31 women with otherwise treatment-resistant FMS experienced a number of prolonged beneficial effects from spironolactone on their complex pain-condition.
Implications and discussion We hypothesise that spironolactone affects several central and peripheral neurotransmitter systems such as γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) activity and dopaminergic transmission. The high rate of non-responsive patients underlines that FMS may represent several subgroups.
Pain relief and improvement of associated FHS-symptoms and positive effects on additional diseases or dysfunctions give reasons for marked and sustained improvement in the quality of life. Well-controlled, double-blind, and randomised trials are necessary to confirm our potentially very important observations.
Keywords: Aldosterone; Analgesics; Fibromyalgia syndrome; Mineralocorticoid-receptor; Neurosteroids.
Does spironolactone ruin hair?
Spironolactone: everything you need to know – Overall, spironolactone works by competing with certain hormones and affecting the balance of your hormones. It works for hair loss by blocking the action of androgen hormones (making it an anti-androgen drug).
Androgens are a type of hormone that play a key role in regulating hair growth, hair follicle health, and sebum production ( Grymowicz, 2020 ). Although the exact relationship between hormones and hair growth in women is uncertain, high androgen levels are associated with many skin and hair problems, including hair loss, hirsutism, and acne.
Taking anti-androgen medications has been shown to help deal with these issues (Vargas-Mora, 2020). Some women have high levels of androgens (due to health conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome, also called PCOS ) or have especially sensitive androgen receptors.
This may make them more likely to experience hair loss as a result of the androgens in their bodies (Vargas-Mora, 2020). Spironolactone isn’t known to cause hair loss—it’s used to help treat hair loss. Some conditions that spironolactone helps to treat, like PCOS, do cause hair thinning or loss, and spironolactone helps combat that.
However, because spironolactone suppresses androgen hormones (like testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, or DHT ), it has an interesting relationship with hair. It helps hair regrowth on the scalp, but it also works to reduce excess hair growth on the face and body (hirsutism).
Why can’t you take spironolactone at night?
You can take spironolactone with or without food. But make sure you pick one way and stick to it. Also avoid taking it before bedtime since it can make you go to the bathroom.
Does spironolactone make your face puffy?
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication? – Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat Dehydration—increased thirst, dry mouth, feeling faint or lightheaded, headache, dark yellow or brown urine High potassium level—muscle weakness, fast or irregular heartbeat Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision Low sodium level—muscle weakness, fatigue, dizziness, headache, confusion
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Breast pain or tenderness Changes in sex drive or performance Dizziness Headache Irregular menstrual cycles or spotting Unexpected breast tissue growth
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Does spironolactone change breast size?
Breast growth from spironolactone is usually small and reversible. But in some people, the breast tissue remains even after the spironolactone is stopped. Estrogen causes permanent nipple development and breast growth.
Does spironolactone clear skin?
Studies have also shown spironolactone to be effective. Improvement ranges from a 50% to 100% reduction in acne. Before taking spironolactone, it’s important to know that this medication is a diuretic, so you’ll find yourself urinating more often. If this could be a problem, let your dermatologist know.
Can I eat bananas on spironolactone?
Because spironolactone (Aldactone) can raise your body’s potassium levels, you might have to be careful when eating foods high in potassium (e.g., bananas, avocados, black beans). If you eat bananas or other high potassium foods on a regular basis, you can usually continue to eat them.
Does spironolactone change body shape?
Spironolactone for Weight Loss – Spironolactone for weight loss occurs by causing the elimination of water from the body, reducing scale weight, but it does not cause fat loss directly. Losing body water is not the same as losing body fat. You may become less bloated using a diuretic, but the weight will return once body fluid levels return to normal.
- It is also important to note that there are no scientific studies that have examined spironolactone specific to weight loss, so its effectiveness for this purpose remains unknown.
- That said, in some cases, taking spironolactone might result in the loss of body fat, although it is not the spironolactone that is causing the fat loss.
For instance, a woman who already has high testosterone levels that contribute to insulin resistance (making it difficult to lose body fat) may find that lowering these levels with spironolactone helps with fat loss. So the spironolactone is helping to treat the insulin resistance which then makes it less difficult to lose body fat.
Does spironolactone damage hormones?
ACD A-Z of Skin – Spironolactone What is it? Spironolactone is an anti-male hormone (anti-androgen) medication. It blocks the male hormone receptor and reduces the level of the male hormones, testosterone and DHEAS. Spironolactone has a diuretic (“fluid tablet”) effect and increases urine production.
What is it used for? In dermatology Spironolactone is mainly used to treat Acne, Hirsutism (excessive hormonal hair), Hidradenitis suppuritiva and Female pattern hair loss. What precautions should you take with this medication?
Spironolactone may cause birth defects or miscarriage. Do not fall pregnant whilst taking this drug, If you think you may be pregnant, stop taking the drug immediately and contact your dermatologist Do not take Spironolactone if you have renal impairment or Addison’s disease Do not breastfeed while taking Spironolactone Do not take Spironolactone if you are taking other potassium-sparing agents, ACE-inhibitors or angiotensin II antagonists, digoxin, steroids, other diuretics (fluid tablets) Let your doctor know if you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer.
What monitoring is required when taking it? A blood test is required before, and during, treatment with Spironolactone to monitor kidney function and electrolyte levels (especially potassium). Your blood pressure may also be monitored. What to expect while taking it and possible side effects:
The desired effects of Spironolactone take months to develop and it may take 6 months or longer before you see an improvement in your condition Spironolactone maycause dizziness or light-headedness. Have your doctor check your blood pressure if you experience any of these symptoms. Ensure you drink enough water throughout the day. Taking the Spironolactone at night may help alleviate the severity of these symptoms Spironolactone may cause headaches, nausea or diarrhoea Spironolactone may make your period cycle (menstruation) irregular. Periods may stop altogether or spot bleeding may be experienced in between normal periods Spironolactone may cause breast changes that are benign (harmless). Enlargement (gynaecomastia), swelling or tenderness of the breasts can occur Leg cramps Some people report a decreased libido (sex-drive) while taking this medication
Tell your dermatologist if you experience any of the above mentioned or other side-effects. In most cases, side effects improve when you stop treatment. Other potential side effects have been reported. Please refer to the product information that is provided with the medication,
What should not be given with spironolactone?
Mixing spironolactone with herbal remedies and supplements – Do not take supplements that are high in potassium, such as Sando K tablets or Kay-Cee-L syrup. Taking these with spironolactone can cause your potassium levels to become too high. There’s very little information about taking other herbal remedies and supplements with spironolactone.
Why can’t you take spironolactone at night?
You can take spironolactone with or without food. But make sure you pick one way and stick to it. Also avoid taking it before bedtime since it can make you go to the bathroom.
Does spironolactone mess with your liver?
Hepatotoxicity – Clinically apparent liver injury from spironolactone is rare and only a few instances have been reported as isolated case reports. The liver injury typically arises after 4 to 8 weeks of therapy and the pattern of serum enzyme elevations is usually hepatocellular or mixed.
When should you not give spironolactone?
Who may not be able to take spironolactone – Spironolactone is not suitable for some people. To make sure it’s safe for you, tell your doctor before starting to take the medicine if you:
have ever had an allergic reaction to spironolactone or any other medicinehave severe kidney problems or are unable to peehave, a hormone imbalance that causes weakness, weight loss and low blood pressurehave ever had high levels of potassium in your blood
Children with moderate to severe kidney disease should not take spironolactone. Page last reviewed: 6 July 2022 Next review due: 6 July 2025 : Who can and cannot take spironolactone