In this video we will cover everything you need to know about Spironolactone. We will discuss how and when to use it, we will cover its side effects, dosage and much, much more.
You can find more useful videos on cardiovascular diseases and their treatments here:
[ Ссылка ]_
Generic name: Spironolactone.
Brand names: Aldactone or CaroSpir.
Available as a tablet or oral suspension.
How to use it?
- Tablet: Just swallow it with half a glass of water.
- Oral suspension: first shake the bottle before use. Next up, measure the correct amount using a measuring spoon or measuring cup. Take this amount and afterwards rinse the cup or spoon with water and drink this water as well.
Always take spironolactone with some food. This could decrease your chance on side effects affecting your stomach and intestines.
When to use it?
Spironolactone is a diuretic, which prevents your body from absorbing too much salt. A diuretic, also called a water pill, helps you to get rid of salt (sodium) and water. The result is an increased production of urine, which will make you pee more often. Through this effect, Spironolactone is used to treat heart failure, high blood pressure or low blood potassium levels.
It also treats fluid retention, in medical terms called edema, in people with heart failure or certain severe kidney problems.
Furthermore, Spironolactone is also used to diagnose and treat a condition where you have too much aldosterone in your body. Aldosterone is a hormone produced by your adrenal glands, which helps to regulate the salt and water balance in your body.
What is the correct dosage?
The precise dose will depend on your specific indication of use, the side effect you might experience and the severity of your symptoms. Therefore always use the precise amount and frequency your doctor prescribed you.
- However, in most use cases your doctor will prescribe a dose of 25-200 mg/day. Your doctor usually starts with a low dose, which will be increased if necessary.
What are the side-effects?
- Very common (10%): headache, poor digestion, diarrhea, fatigue, drowsiness, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, painful breasts, breast disorders, menstrual disorders and (irreversible) lowering of the voice (women).
- Common (1-10%): nausea, vomiting, weakness, paresthesia, change in vaginal discharge and post-menopausal bleeding.
- Uncommon (0,1-1%): rash, skin reactions, muscle cramps and confusion.
- Rare (0,01-0,1%): blood cell disorders, paralysis, dehydration, eczema and hypersensitivity.
- Very rare (0,01%): acute renal failure, stomach inflammation, gastrointestinal cramps, intestinal bleeding, alopecia (hair loss), breast cancer and hepatitis.
Safety:
- You may feel a little dizzy the first few days of using this medicine. If you continue to feel dizzy, do not participate in traffic.
- Furthermore, combining spironolactone with alcohol could increase the side effects you are experiencing.
- Next, Spironolactone could have interactions with other drugs you are using. Therefore always discuss this with your personal doctor.
- Lastly, Spironolactone could be dangerous for pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding. Therefore always discuss this with your personal doctor.
- Disclaimer: this video and the comments are meant purely informational! This is not medical advice! If you are looking for medical advice always contact your own doctor. -
Literature:
1: Farmacotherapeutisch Kompas. (2022). Spironolacton.
2: Apotheek.nl (2022). Spironolacton.
* The images in this video are used for educational purposes only. Most of the images and videos in this video come from [ Ссылка ].
Follow me on instagram: @HOWTOMEDICATE
Follow me on twitter: @HOWTOMEDICATE
Follow me on tiktok: @How2medicate
Support me on Patreon: [ Ссылка ]
