What is the drug spironolactone used for?

Spironolactone is used in combination with other medicines to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure. Lowering blood pressure can reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks. Spironolactone is also used to lessen the need for hospitalization for heart failure.

What type of drug is spironolactone?

Spironolactone is in a class of medications called aldosterone receptor antagonists. It causes the kidneys to eliminate unneeded water and sodium from the body into the urine but reduces the loss of potassium from the body.

How does spironolactone act as a diuretic?

Spironolactone competitively inhibits aldosterone dependant sodium potassium exchange channels in the distal convoluted tubule. This action leads to increased sodium and water excretion, but more potassium retention. The increased excretion of water leads to diuretic and also antihypertensive effects.

Is spironolactone a testosterone blocker?

The two testosterone blockers most often used for transgender women are spironolactone (also known as “spiro”) and cyproterone acetate.

Why do you have to wear gloves with spironolactone?

Wear gloves when handling Spironolactone tablets. Prolonged exposure to Spironolactone can cause birth defects, reproductive harm, cancer, or organ damage.

Can spironolactone give you bigger boobs?

Enlarged breasts: This drug may cause you to have enlarged breasts (gynecomastia). This can happen in both men and women. If this happens, your doctor may stop your treatment with this drug. This symptom usually goes away once you stop taking this drug.

Does spironolactone make you feminine?

Spironolactone can lower testosterone production throughout the body. This can cause males to develop feminine characteristics, like breast growth and hair loss.

Can I take spironolactone forever?

You would require Spironolactone for as long as your acne is a problem. Most women will be on treatment for a year or two and some women may need treatment for several years. It is possible to reduce the dose and try without medication a year into treatment after the acne has been controlled fully.

Can I eat bananas with spironolactone?

Avoid taking salt substitutes that contain potassium or potassium supplements while taking spironolactone. Try to avoid foods high in potassium (such as avocados, bananas, coconut water, spinach, and sweet potato) because eating these foods may lead to potentially fatal hyperkalemia (high blood potassium levels).