Spironolactone is a potassium sparing diuretic used in the treatment of congestive heart failure (CHF), edema and high blood pressure (hypertension). Spironolactone is also used to treat potassium deficiency and hyperaldosteronism. Spironolactone requires a prescription from your veterinarian.
For: Cats and Dogs
Benefits:
•
Easy to administer
•
Also used to treat edema and high blood pressure
•
Does not cause loss of potassium
How it works: Spironolactone inhibits the effect of aldosterone, a hormone that causes the tubules of the kidneys to retain sodium and water. This increases the excretion of water and sodium, while decreasing the excretion of potassium.
Cautions: Tell your veterinarian if your pet has kidney or liver disease, diabetes mellitus, high levels of potassium in the blood, or if your pet is being given a potassium supplement or an ACE inhibitor such as enalapril or lisinopril. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant or lactating.
Spironolactone will cause your pet to urinate more often, and your pet may have more "accidents" and need to go outside or use the litter box more. Make sure that your pet eats and drinks well while taking spironolactone or the risk of side effects increases.
More Information:
Brand Name Aldactone (Pharmacia)
Generic Name Spironolactone
What is the most important information I should know about Spironolactone: Spironolactone is a prescription medication that is not FDA approved for use in animals; however, it is a commonly accepted practice for veterinarians to use spironolactone in dogs and cats. Spironolactone is available as 25mg scored tablets. The usual dose in dogs and cats is 0.5-1mg per pound every 12 hours. Give spironolactone with food to lessen stomach upset.
What is Spironolactone: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic (water pill). Spironolactone is used to reduce the amount of fluid in the body without also causing a loss of potassium. Spironolactone is used in the treatment of CHF, edema and high blood pressure (hypertension). Spironolactone is also used to treat potassium deficiency and hyperaldosteronism. Spironolactone may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this guide.
What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving spironolactone to my pet: Tell your veterinarian if your pet has kidney or liver disease, diabetes mellitus, high levels of potassium in the blood, or if the pet is being given a potassium supplement or an ACE inhibitor such as enalapril or lisinopril. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant or lactating.
How should this medication be given: Give this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. If you do not understand the directions ask the pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. Spironolactone should be taken with food to lessen stomach upset. Keep plenty of water available for your pet. Do not suddenly stop giving this medication. Stopping suddenly could make the condition worse. Store spironolactone at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep this medication away from children and pets.
What happens if I miss giving a dose: Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not give a double dose of the medication.
What happens if I overdose the pet: Seek emergency veterinary medical treatment. Symptoms of spironolactone overdose include an irregular heartbeat, lethargy, fatigue, weakness, drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting.
What should I avoid while giving Spironolactone to my pet: Do not use supplements containing potassium as these could cause high levels of potassium in the body.
What are the possible side effects of Spironolactone: If any of the following serious side effects occur, stop giving spironolactone and seek emergency veterinary medical attention; an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips; tongue or face; hives); an irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, fatigue, confusion, weakness, numbness, or decreased urination. Other less serious side effects may occur. Continue giving spironolactone and talk to your veterinarian if your pet experiences headache, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, or dry mouth. Other side effects may also occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to the animal.
What other drugs will affect Spironolactone: Tell your veterinarian if your pet is being given probenecid, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) such as etodolac, carprofen or piroxicam or a diabetes medication such as glipizide. You should also tell your veterinarian if your pet is taking any other medication to treat high blood pressure, edema, heart problems, or some other condition. Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with spironolactone. Talk to your veterinarian before giving your pet any prescription or over the counter medicines.
Where can I get more information: Your pharmacist has additional information about Spironolactone written for health professionals that you may read.
Call your veterinarian for medical advice about any side effects to your pet. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Directions:
•
Spironolactone is a water pill (potassium-sparing diuretic) available by prescription that is used to treat edema, high blood pressure, potassium deficiency, and hyperaldosteronism.
•
Spironolactone is not FDA approved for use in veterinary medicine; however, it is a commonly accepted practice for veterinarians to prescribe this medication for dogs and cats.
•
Spironolactone is used to reduce the amount of fluid in the body without also causing loss of potassium.
Tip: Give Spironolactone with food to lessen stomach upset. Keep plenty of water available for your pet.
Dosage:
Pet
Weight
Dosage
Dogs/Cats:
All weights
The usual dose in dogs and cats is 0.5 mg – 1 mg per pound of body weight every 12 hours
Horses:
Storage: Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Spironolactone:
Active Ingredient (per tablet)
Amount
Spironolactone
25 mg
Other Ingredients: Calcium Sulfate, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Magnesium Stearate, Polyethylene Glycol, Polysorbate 80, Povidone, Starch (corn), Titanium Dioxide, and Flavoring.
Spironolactone
5
5
2
2
Things are going good.
Our girl Gypsy is doing great with the meds we get from PetMeds. So glad I found out about you guys. Has saved me alot of money so we can afford to keep giving our Gypsy her meds.
Thanks again.
10/05/2012
Great product at a great price
Lucy, my Miniature Schnauzer, needs this medication and Petmeds makes it more convenient and affordable to take care of my little girl. Thanks, Petmeds!
05/18/2010
I would not recommend just stopping spironolactone "cold turkey". If you feel your pet does not need this medication any more, you should discuss this with your veterinarian. If he/she agrees, then you can be given specific directions as to how to taper off the medication.
Is there such a thing as a diuretic which is in liquid form? My vet gave my cat an injection of Lassix because he felt she needed a diuretic. But that was a one shot thing. I think that she might need some treatment on a regular basis. She will not however take a pill. The vet gave me two medications- an antibiotic and a vitamen both in liquiid form. Is there a diuretic in liquid form that can be precribed? Thanks.
Lasix (furosemide) is available as a liquid and should be available, by prescription, in most community pharmacies. Unfortunately, 1-800-PetMeds does not carry this liquid form.
Our dog is 14 yrs old and has some sort of liver problem. His vet put him on S-adenosyl 100 and Prednisone 20 mg a week ago. He began to hold water really bad and he put him on Spironolactone 2 days ago to help relieve the water but it has had no effect. Is this normal? Thanks
My dog is 16 and has been taking spironolactone for over a year along with a dieuretic which takes care of the elimination problem. My dog's problem is congestive heart failure and other than diarrea he's done great! Talk to your vet about the water retention.
The combination of spironolactone and enalapril can lead to an increase in potassium levels. Your pet will need periodic blood tests to monitor potassium blood levels.
This information sheet is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, allergic reactions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for your pet. It is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, and it does not replace the need for services provided by your veterinarian. Note: Any trademarks are the property of their respective companies.
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