Drug reference
spironolactone
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Drug class
Cardiovascular (Diuretics)
Mechanism of action
Aldosterone antagonist with diuretic and antihypertensive effects; competitive binding of receptors at aldosterone-dependent Na-K exchange site in distal tubules results in increased excretion of Na+, Cl-, and water and retention of K+ and H+ Increases testosterone clearance and estradiol production
Common side effects
- Gastric bleeding
- Decreased libido
- Ulceration
- Gastritis
- Inability to achieve or maintain erection
- Postmenopausal bleeding
Boxed warnings
- Spironolactone has been shown to be a tumorigen in chronic toxicity studies in rats; use only for specified indications
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity Addison disease or other conditions associated with hyperkalemia Coadministration with eplerenone
Known interactions (11)
- amiloride + spironolactone Contraindicated
- eplerenone + spironolactone Contraindicated
- abiraterone + spironolactone Major
- aspirin + spironolactone Major
- lisinopril + spironolactone Major
- potassium chloride + spironolactone Major
- spironolactone + trimethoprim Major
- spironolactone + trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole Major
- drospirenone + spironolactone Moderate
- ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone + spironolactone Moderate
- furosemide + spironolactone Moderate
Related conditions
Frequently asked questions
What drug class is spironolactone?
spironolactone belongs to: Cardiovascular.
How does spironolactone work?
Aldosterone antagonist with diuretic and antihypertensive effects; competitive binding of receptors at aldosterone-dependent Na-K exchange site in distal tubules results in increased excretion of Na+, Cl-, and water and retention of K+ and H+ Increases testosterone clearance and estradiol production
What are the common side effects of spironolactone?
Gastric bleeding, Decreased libido, Ulceration, Gastritis, Inability to achieve or maintain erection, Postmenopausal bleeding
Which drugs interact with spironolactone?
amiloride, eplerenone, abiraterone, aspirin, lisinopril, potassium chloride, trimethoprim, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, drospirenone, ethinyl estradiol-drospirenone, furosemide
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