Spironolactone: A Patient’s Guide
Spironolactone is a prescription potassium-sparing diuretic, often called a “water pill,” that removes extra fluid while allowing the body to retain more potassium. It is mainly used to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention caused by heart failure, liver disease, or certain kidney conditions.
Spironolactone can help control blood pressure and fluid buildup, but it may raise potassium levels and interact with many medicines. Take it only as prescribed and consult your doctor or pharmacist about your dose, other medications, and supplements.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C03DA01
- Generic
- Spironolactone
- Class
- potassium-sparing-diuretic
- Brands
- Aldactone
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- D
- Lactation
- unsafe
- Half-life (h)
- 78
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- CN, US, EU, JP
- Monitoring
- potassium, renal-function, blood-pressure
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 25-100mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily or divided twice daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 1-3.3 mg/kg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily or divided twice daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 25mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring and uterine activity
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding or avoid
spironolactone is excreted in breast milk; avoid breastfeeding during treatment
monitor infant for adverse effects
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlystart with lower dose
use with caution due to increased risk of hyperkalemia and renal dysfunction
regular monitoring of potassium and renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
childrenweight-based dosing
use in pediatric patients for indicated conditions; safety and efficacy established
monitor electrolytes and renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderateuse with caution
monitor potassium levels closely; avoid in severe renal impairment
frequent monitoring of serum potassium and renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severeavoid use
contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment due to risk of hyperkalemia
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
hepatic_impairment
moderateno specific adjustment
use with caution; drug is extensively metabolized in liver
monitor electrolytes and liver function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Original FDA approval date for Spironolactone (Aldactone)
Drug class
Pharmacological classification of Spironolactone
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indications for Spironolactone
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological mechanism of Spironolactone
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 22, 2026. · Read our editorial policy