Spironolactone

General Description: Spironolactone is a diuretic used in dogs and cats to remove excess fluid from the body. This drug has been chosen because your pet has not responded to other types of diuretics. Unlike other diuretics, spironolactone does not cause blood potassium to be lost.

What is this drug?

Spironolactone is a diuretic (helps the body lose water via increased urine production)
Spironolactone is given by mouth
Reasons for prescribing:

Because this drug helps remove excessive fluids from the body, it is useful in the treatment of congestive heart failure, ascites and edema
What dogs/cats should not take this medication?

Pets with high blood potassium levels, or those with, or at risk for, Addison’s disease (hypoadrenocorticism) or diabetes
Use with caution in pets with kidney or liver disease
Pets taking the drug mitotane (treatment for Cushing’s disease)
Pregnant and nursing pets
Pets known to have had an allergic reaction to spironolactone
Directions:

Give this medication with food to increase its absorption and lessen stomach upset. Ideally, give the medication at the same time daily.

Give medication as directed by your veterinarian. This medication is usually givenonce or twice daily. Give the exact amount prescribed and only as often as directed. Missed doses reduce the effectiveness of therapy. Do not suddenly stop this medication.

This product may be provided to you as tablets. If it is difficult for you to administer tablets to your pet, your veterinarian may be able to have it formulated as an oral liquid or a transdermal gel.

Ensure your pet has plenty of food and fresh, clean drinking water while taking spironolactone. It is important that your pet eats and drinks well to decrease the likelihood of side effects. Speak to your veterinarian if your pet does not eat or drink well.

Your pet will have to urinate more frequently than normal and ‘accidents’ are possible.

What if dose is missed?

If a dose is missed, give it as soon as you can. If it is time already for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the normal schedule. Do not give two doses at the same time.

What to tell/ask veterinarian before giving medication?

Talk to your veterinarian about:

When will your pet need to be rechecked
What tests may need to be performed prior to and during treatment with this drug
Risks and benefits of using this drug
Tell your veterinarian about:

If your pet has experienced side-effects on other drugs/products
If your pet has experienced digestive upset now or ever
If your pet has experienced liver or kidney disease now or ever
If your pet has experienced any other medical problems or allergies now or ever
All medicines and supplements that you are giving your pet or plan to give your pet, including those you can get without a prescription. Your veterinarian may want to check that all of your pet’s medicines can be given together.
If your pet is pregnant or nursing or if you plan to breed your pet
Storage and Warnings:

Store in a tight, light resistant, childproof container in a cool, dry place at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight.

Store oral liquids in the refrigerator for no more than 30 days. Shake well before use.

Keep this and all medication out of reach of children and pets. Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take this product.

Potential side effects:

Dehydration with excessive thirst and decreased urine production
Electrolyte (salts) imbalances may occur. Weakness or lethargy could indicate potassium levels have become too high. Weakness and confusion could indicate low sodium levels. Vomiting and diarrhea occurs in some animals. Contact your veterinarian if your pet shows these effects.
If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian
Can this drug be given with other drugs?

Yes, but possible interactions may occur with ACE inhibitors (enalapril, captopril or lisonopril), ammonium chloride, aspirin, digoxin, epinephrine, indomethacin, glipizide, mitotane, NSAIDs, other diuretics or heart or blood pressure medications, potassium supplements, protein-binding drugs
If your pet experiences any unusual reactions when taking multiple medications, contact your veterinarian
Overdosing?

Contact your veterinarian immediately if pet consumes more than the prescribed amount.

What else should I know?

Notify your veterinarian if your animal’s condition does not improve or worsens despite this treatment.

As with all prescribed medicines, spironolactone should only be given to the dog/cat for which it was prescribed. It should be given only for the condition for which it was prescribed. It is important to periodically discuss your pet’s response to spironolactone at regular check ups. Your veterinarian will best determine if your pet is responding as expected and if your pet should continue receiving spironolactone.

This is just a summary of information about spironolactone. If you have any questions or concerns about spironolactone or for the condition it was prescribed, contact your veterinarian.

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