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Brand Name
Aldactone
Pronunciation
Speer-on-no-LAK-tone
Common Drug Name
Spironolactone
What should I discuss with my veterinarian while considering Spironolactone?
Talk to your veterinarian about what type of outcome is expected. Have your veterinarian explain the other treatment options that may be available to treat your pet's condition and what tests may be necessary prior to and while your pet is taking Spironolactone.
Tell your veterinarian if your pet has Addison's disease (hypoadrenocorticism), Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism), liver or kidney disease, or could be pregnant.
Notify your veterinarian of any other medications or supplements your pet is taking. Also if your pet has had any reactions to previous medications.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to the regular schedule. Do not give two doses at once.
What is the most important information I should know?
Spironolactone will cause your pet to urinate more often. Your pet may have more "accidents" and need to go outside or use the litter box more. Your pet needs to eat and drink well while taking Spironolactone or the risk of side effects increases. Contact your veterinarian if your pet is not eating or drinking well. Also contact your veterinarian if your pet has vomiting, diarrhea, or becomes lethargic while taking Spironolactone. Do not discontinue the medication unless directed by your veterinarian.
Who should not take it?
Not for use in animals hypersensitive (allergic) to Spironolactone. Do not use in pregnant or lactating animals (female animals nursing their young). Do not use in animals with high potassium levels in the blood, or Addison's disease (hypoadrenocorticism).
Use with extreme caution in animals with liver or kidney disease. Do not use in animals with Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism) who are taking the medication mitotane.
What side effects may be seen when taking Spironolactone?
May cause dehydration with excessive thirst and decreased urine production; or electrolyte imbalances (e.g., high potassium and low sodium), often with weakness, stumbling, or lack of energy. May cause vomiting and diarrhea in some animals. If you see any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.
If your pet experiences an allergic reaction to the medication, signs may include facial swelling, hives, scratching, sudden onset of diarrhea, vomiting, shock, seizures, pale gums, cold limbs, or coma. If you observe any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.
How is it stored?
Store in a tight, light-resistant, childproof container at room temperature. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
What should I do if I know of or suspect there has been an overdose?
May see weakness, stumbling, lack of energy, vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, and changes in urination. If you observe any of these signs in your pet, contact your veterinarian immediately.
What should I avoid when giving my pet Spironolactone?
Notify your veterinarian of any other medications, including vitamins and supplements, your pet is taking while your pet is receiving Spironolactone.
Do not give with potassium supplements. If used with ACE inhibitors (heart medications such as enalapril or captopril), may increase the risk of high blood potassium levels.
May alter the level of the medication, digoxin, in the blood, and require extra monitoring of the blood levels of digoxin. Aspirin may decrease the effects of Spironolactone.
Where is more information available?
Ask your veterinarian, consult with one of our pharmacists at 1-800-447-3021, or see the
Patient Information Sheet on this medication. | 
