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Drug interactions

Carbenoxolone + Spironolactone

Severity: Moderate

Carbenoxolone and Spironolactone: moderate interaction.

Last updated

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.

Summary

Carbenoxolone has mineralocorticoid-like activity that causes sodium retention and potassium loss, directly opposing spironolactone. The combination reduces the efficacy of spironolactone and can worsen hypertension and edema.

What this interaction means in plain words

Carbenoxolone and Spironolactone can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Carbenoxolone inhibits 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, producing mineralocorticoid effects that antagonize spironolactone's receptor blockade.

What to do

Avoid the combination where possible; if used, monitor blood pressure, fluid status and serum potassium.

What to ask your pharmacist

  • Should I take them at different times of day?
  • Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
  • Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Carbenoxolone with Spironolactone?

MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Carbenoxolone and Spironolactone can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Carbenoxolone has mineralocorticoid-like activity that causes sodium retention and potassium loss, directly opposing spironolactone. The combination reduces the efficacy of spironolactone and can worsen hypertension and edema.

How serious is the interaction between Carbenoxolone and Spironolactone?

MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where possible; if used, monitor blood pressure, fluid status and serum potassium.

What other medicines interact with Spironolactone?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Spironolactone with, for example, Amiloride, Eplerenone, Triamterene. The full list is on the Spironolactone page.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

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