Taken only during the premenstrual
phase, spironolactone blocks the body's use of the
hormone aldosterone, which causes fluid retention in
the body. This has a
diuretic effect, eliminating excess salt and water from
the body.
Spironolactone is sometimes used
when bloating, water retention, and weight gain are the main symptoms of
PMS.
Spironolactone can reduce
premenstrual bloating, breast tenderness, and weight gain.
1
All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.
Here are some important things to think about:
- Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
- Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.
- If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Call 911 or other emergency services right away if you have:
- Trouble breathing.
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Confusion.
- Irregular heartbeat.
- Numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or lips.
Call your doctor if you have:
Common side effects of this medicine include:
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Stomach cramps.
- Diarrhea.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug
Reference is not available in all systems.)
Ask your doctor if you should watch the amount of potassium in your diet. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, so your doctor may want to make sure you do not get high potassium levels in your blood. Do not take a potassium supplement if you are taking this medicine.
Taking medicine
Medicine is one of the many tools your doctor has to treat a health problem. Taking medicine as your doctor suggests will improve your health and may prevent future problems. If you don't take your medicines properly, you may be putting your health (and perhaps your life) at risk.
There are many reasons why people have trouble taking their medicine. But in most cases, there is something you can do. For suggestions on how to work around common problems, see the topic Taking Medicines as Prescribed.
Advice for women
If you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning to get pregnant, do not use any medicines unless your doctor tells you to. Some medicines can harm your baby. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements. And make sure that all your doctors know that you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning to get pregnant.
Checkups
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)
(What is a PDF document?)
to help you understand this medication.
Citations
-
Kwan I, Onwude JL (2009). Premenstrual syndrome, search date July 2009. Online version of BMJ Clinical Evidence
:
http://www.clinicalevidence.com.
|
By
| Healthwise Staff |
|
Primary Medical Reviewer
| Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine |
|
Specialist Medical Reviewer
| Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
|
Last Revised
| June 8, 2012 |
