This article describes possible interactions with spironolactone oral tablet. Interactions can cause a drug to have a different effect on the body than expected. Interactions can occur due to medications, alcohol, or certain health conditions.
Spironolactone comes as tablets and capsules that you’ll swallow. It’s also available as a suspension that’s swallowed. Interactions of spironolactone may vary depending on the form of spironolactone you’re prescribed.
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Other drugs and spironolactone
The drugs in the list below may interact with spironolactone oral tablet. This article doesn’t include all drugs that may interact with spironolactone.
Drug classes or drugs that may interact with spironolactone oral tablet include:
- angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors:
- drug examples: lisinopril (Zestril, others), benazepril (Lotensin)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of spironolactone and the ACE inhibitor
- angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs):
- drug examples: losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of spironolactone and the ARB
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs):
- drug examples: ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), meloxicam (Mobic, others)
- what might happen: can make spironolactone less effective and increase the risk of side effects of spironolactone and the NSAID
- heparin and low molecular weight heparins:
- drug examples: enoxaparin (Lovenox), dalteparin (Fragmin)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of spironolactone and the heparin drug
- potassium-sparing diuretics:
- drug examples: triamterene (Dyrenium), eplerenone (Inspra)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of spironolactone and the diuretic
- cholestyramine (Prevalite):
- what might happen: can increase the levels of potassium and acid in your body to dangerous levels
- acetylsalicylic acid:
- what might happen: can make spironolactone less effective
- lithium:
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of lithium
- digoxin (Lanoxin):
- what might happen: can increase the effect of digoxin
- trimethoprim:
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of spironolactone and trimethoprim
- abiraterone
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Other interactions and spironolactone
Interactions can occur with supplements, foods, vaccines, and some lab tests. Below you can learn whether spironolactone oral tablet has these interactions.
The information below doesn’t include all other possible interactions with spironolactone.
Spironolactone and supplements
Before taking spironolactone oral tablet, tell your doctor and pharmacist about any herbs you take, as well as vitamins and supplements. Doing so may help you avoid interactions.
Spironolactone oral tablet may interact with potassium supplements. Potassium is a mineral that’s used in many bodily functions, including water balance, blood pressure, and muscle contractions. Potassium supplements may help manage blood pressure, improve bone health, and prevent stroke. But taking spironolactone oral tablet with potassium supplements can increase the risk of high potassium level.
If you have questions about interactions that may affect you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Spironolactone interactions with herbs
Spironolactone oral tablet isn’t known to interact with any herbs. But this doesn’t mean interactions with herbs can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any of these products while taking spironolactone oral tablet.
Spironolactone interactions with vitamins
Spironolactone oral tablet isn’t known to interact with any vitamins. But this doesn’t mean interactions with vitamins can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
If you have questions about spironolactone interactions with vitamins, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Spironolactone and food
Spironolactone oral tablet may interact with salt substitutes that contain potassium. Combining these products with spironolactone can increase the risk of high potassium level.
Spironolactone oral tablet may also interact with licorice candy and licorice extract. Taking these products with spironolactone can make spironolactone less effective.
Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what foods to avoid while taking spironolactone oral tablet.
Spironolactone and vaccines
Spironolactone oral tablet isn’t known to interact with any vaccines. But this doesn’t mean interactions with vaccines can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before receiving any vaccines while taking spironolactone oral tablet.
Spironolactone and lab tests
Spironolactone oral tablet may interact with a blood test used to check digoxin (Lanoxin) levels. Taking spironolactone and having this test may cause your digoxin level to appear higher than it actually is.
Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before having any tests while taking spironolactone oral tablet.
Spironolactone and cannabis or CBD
Spironolactone oral tablet isn’t known to interact with cannabis (commonly called marijuana) or cannabis products such as cannabidiol (CBD). But this doesn’t mean interactions can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
As with any drug or supplement, tell your doctor before taking cannabis with spironolactone.
Note: Cannabis is illegal at a federal level but is legal in many states to varying degrees.
Questions about spironolactone and interactions
Here you’ll find answers to some common questions about spironolactone and possible interactions.
How much water should I drink when taking spironolactone?
It depends. Spironolactone oral tablet is a diuretic that works by removing excess sodium and water through your urine. (Diuretics are also called water pills.) It’s important to stay hydrated while taking the drug. However, the amount of water you should drink depends on your medical history, including your kidney, liver, and heart health.
In most cases, unless recommended by your doctor, you do not need to drink extra water while taking spironolactone. Talk with your doctor about how much water you should drink when taking this drug.
Can spironolactone interact with other blood pressure medications?
Yes, spironolactone oral tablet can interact with certain blood pressure medications. These include ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and certain diuretics. (For examples, see the “Other drugs and spironolactone” section above.) Taking spironolactone oral tablet with these medications can increase the risk of high potassium level.
Talk with your doctor about all medications you take, including blood pressure drugs, before you start spironolactone treatment.
When to avoid spironolactone
Certain health conditions or other factors could increase some risks with spironolactone oral tablet. Because of this, doctors may not prescribe spironolactone in these cases. These health conditions or other factors are called contraindications.
Here’s a list of spironolactone contraindications:
- High potassium level. If you have a high potassium level, taking spironolactone oral tablet may worsen your condition.
- Addison’s disease. If you have Addison’s disease, taking spironolactone oral tablet may worsen your condition.
- Use of eplerenone. If you take eplerenone (Inspra), taking spironolactone oral tablet may increase your risk of high potassium level.
- Past allergic reaction to spironolactone. If you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to spironolactone oral tablet, taking it again may cause another allergic reaction.
Before you start taking Spironolactone, tell your doctor if anything listed above relates to you. They can recommend whether you should take spironolactone.
Alcohol and spironolactone
Spironolactone oral tablet is not known to interact with alcohol.
However, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can increase the risk of high blood pressure. Because spironolactone oral tablet can be used to manage high blood pressure, taking spironolactone and drinking alcohol may make it hard to tell whether the drug is working.
If you have questions about spironolactone interactions with alcohol, talk with your doctor.
Health factors and spironolactone
Certain medical conditions or other health factors may increase the risk of interactions with spironolactone oral tablet. Keep in mind that interactions could lead to side effects or affect how well the drug works. Before taking spironolactone, tell your doctor about your health history. They’ll determine whether spironolactone is right for you.
These health conditions or other factors might interact with spironolactone oral tablet:
- kidney problems
- liver problems
- high potassium level
- Addison’s disease
- pregnancy or breastfeeding
- past allergic reaction to spironolactone
Preventing spironolactone interactions
You may be able to help avoid certain interactions with spironolactone oral tablet. Before taking this drug, you may want to discuss possible interactions with your doctor and pharmacist.
Things to consider include:
- Whether you drink alcohol or use cannabis.
- Other medications and herbs you take, as well as vitamins and supplements. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you fill out a medication list.
- What to do if you’re prescribed a new drug while taking spironolactone oral tablet.
Taking spironolactone exactly as prescribed can also help prevent interactions.
What to ask your doctor
If you have questions about spironolactone and possible interactions, talk with your doctor.
Questions you may want to ask your doctor include:
- Should I let you know if I make lifestyle changes, such as to my diet or exercise routine?
- Do other drugs used to treat my condition have similar interactions?
- Can I still take spironolactone even if it interacts with a health condition I have?
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
