Drug interactions
Penbutolol + Spironolactone
Severity: Moderate
Penbutolol 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
Non-selective beta-blockers can modestly raise serum potassium by reducing cellular uptake of potassium. Combined with the potassium-retaining effect of spironolactone, hyperkalemia is possible, especially in patients with renal impairment or diabetes.
What this interaction means in plain words
Penbutolol 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.
Why it happens
Spironolactone blocks aldosterone-mediated renal potassium excretion while beta-blockade impairs beta-2 mediated cellular potassium uptake, giving additive effects on serum potassium.
What to do
Check serum potassium and renal function at baseline and periodically, particularly after dose changes. Reduce or stop spironolactone if potassium rises above the acceptable range.
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?
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Other interactions of Spironolactone
- Amiloride + Spironolactone Contraindicated
- Eplerenone + Spironolactone Contraindicated
- Spironolactone + Triamterene Contraindicated
- Abiraterone + Spironolactone Major
- Aceclofenac + Spironolactone Major
- Acemetacin + Spironolactone Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Penbutolol with Spironolactone?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Penbutolol 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. Non-selective beta-blockers can modestly raise serum potassium by reducing cellular uptake of potassium. Combined with the potassium-retaining effect of spironolactone, hyperkalemia is possible, especially in patients with renal impairment or diabetes.
How serious is the interaction between Penbutolol 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: Check serum potassium and renal function at baseline and periodically, particularly after dose changes. Reduce or stop spironolactone if potassium rises above the acceptable range.
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.
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