Spironolactone

What it is

Spironolactone blocks the action of aldosterone in the kidney, so sodium and water are lost while potassium is held back rather than excreted. It also blocks androgen receptors. It is used for oedema, heart failure, high blood pressure, and androgen-driven skin problems.

A usual adult range, not a national label — the dose and the timing differ by country and by product.

Used for

• Oedema
• Heart failure
• Hypertension
• Skin

Approved uses differ by country — some of these may be off-label or unapproved where you live.

What to know while taking it

It is taken with food, which improves how much is absorbed and is easier on the stomach. Because it retains potassium, the level can climb too high, especially alongside lisinopril, enalapril or losartan, or with potassium and magnesium aspartate supplements, where a national regulator such as Indonesia's BPOM registers them, and with any potassium supplement or salt substitute; those combinations are not necessarily wrong, but they are the reason blood is checked. Potassium, sodium, creatinine and eGFR are monitored, and impaired kidney function makes a rise in potassium far more likely.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor for muscle weakness, numbness or tingling, a slow or irregular heartbeat, or a fall in the amount of urine passed. Breast tenderness or swelling and menstrual changes are also worth reporting.

Worth knowing

• Can raise potassium
• Caution with kidney disease

Markers to watch

• Potassium
• Creatinine
• eGFR
• Sodium

Nutrients affected

• potassium — raised by (Potassium)