Interactions between Dosaflex and Spironolactone
1 drug interaction and 16 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:
- Dosaflex (senna)
- spironolactone
Drug interactions
Moderate drug interactions
Moderate:
spironolactone senna
Applies to: spironolactone and Dosaflex (senna)
Monitor
The chronic use or abuse of laxatives may potentiate the pharmacologic effects of diuretics. Laxatives can cause significant losses of fluid and electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, magnesium and zinc, and these effects may be additive to those of diuretics.
Management
In general, laxatives should only be used on a short-term, intermittent basis in recommended dosages. During concomitant use with diuretics, patients should be advised to contact their physician if they experience signs and symptoms of fluid and electrolyte depletion such as dizziness, lightheadedness, dry mouth, thirst, fatigue, weakness, lethargy, muscle cramps, decreased urination, postural hypotension, and tachycardia. If maintenance of bowel regularity is required, patients should be advised to exercise and increase fiber in the diet and/or consider the use of bulk-forming laxatives.
References (7)
- Brinckmann J, Blumenthal M, eds., Goldberg A (2000) "Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs." Newton, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications
- Chin RL (1998) "Laxative-induced hypokalemia." Ann Emerg Med, 32, p. 517-8
- Leary WP, Reyes AJ (1984) "Drug interactions with diuretics." S Afr Med J, 65, p. 455-61
- Muller-Lissner SA (1993) "Adverse effects of laxatives: fact and fiction." Pharmacology, 47, p. 138-45
- Atsmon J, Dolev E (2005) "Drug-induced hypomagnesaemia : scope and management." Drug Saf, 28, p. 763-88
- (2025) "Product Information. Furosemide (furosemide)." Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc.
- (2025) "Product Information. Furosemide (furosemide)." Avenacy, Inc.
Food/lifestyle interactions
Moderate food/lifestyle interactions
Moderate:
spironolactone Alcohol (Ethanol)
Applies to: spironolactone
Monitor
Certain psychotherapeutic and other CNS-active agents may have blood pressure-lowering effects and may cause dizziness, orthostatic hypotension, or syncope. These effects may be more likely during treatment initiation, dose escalation, or treatment restart. Coadministration with antihypertensives or other agents with blood pressure-lowering properties, particularly vasodilators and alpha-adrenergic blockers, may result in additive hypotensive or orthostatic effects.
Management
Monitor blood pressure and clinical response during concomitant use, especially when starting or increasing the dose of either agent. Patients should be advised to rise slowly from a sitting or lying position and to report dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, orthostasis, palpitations, or troublesome changes in pulse or heart rate. Patients should be cautioned that alcohol may enhance blood pressure-lowering effects during concomitant use with antihypertensives or other agents with hypotensive properties. Patients should avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until they know how the medications affect them.
References (13)
- Sternbach H (1991) "Fluoxetine-associated potentiation of calcium-channel blockers." J Clin Psychopharmacol, 11, p. 390-1
- Shook TL, Kirshenbaum JM, Hundley RF, Shorey JM, Lamas GA (1984) "Ethanol intoxication complicating intravenous nitroglycerin therapy." Ann Intern Med, 101, p. 498-9
- Feder R (1991) "Bradycardia and syncope induced by fluoxetine." J Clin Psychiatry, 52, p. 139
- Ellison JM, Milofsky JE, Ely E (1990) "Fluoxetine-induced bradycardia and syncope in two patients." J Clin Psychiatry, 51, p. 385-6
- Rodriguez de la Torre B, Dreher J, Malevany I, et al. (2001) "Serum levels and cardiovascular effects of tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in depressed patients." Ther Drug Monit, 23, p. 435-40
- Pacher P, Kecskemeti V (2004) "Cardiovascular side effects of new antidepressants and antipsychotics: new drugs, old concerns?" Curr Pharm Des, 10, p. 2463-75
- Andrews C, Pinner G (1998) "Postural hypotension induced by paroxetine." BMJ, 316, p. 595
- (2023) "Product Information. Buprenorphine (buprenorphine)." G.L. Pharma UK Ltd
- (2023) "Product Information. Temgesic (buprenorphine)." Reckitt Benckiser Pty Ltd
- (2026) "Product Information. Urapidil (Carinopharm) (urapidil)." Imported (EU)
- (2020) "Product Information. URAPIDIL ACCORD (urapidil)." ACCORD HEALTHCARE LIMITED
- (2020) "Product Information. Ebrantil (urapidil)." CHEPLAPHARM ARZNEIMITTEL GMBH
- (2026) "Product Information. Urapidil (urapidil)." Imported (Switzerland)
Moderate:
senna multivitamins with minerals
Applies to: Dosaflex (senna)
Generally avoid
Chronic use of stimulant laxatives may decrease the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) and minerals such as calcium, potentially leading to deficiencies. This effect is due to accelerated intestinal transit time, which reduces nutrient absorption.
Management
To minimize this risk, limit the use of stimulant laxatives to short-term or occasional use.
References (2)
- (2023) "Product Information. Domnisol (calcifediol)." Flynn Pharma Ltd
- Wakeman M (2021) "A Literature Review of the Potential Impact of Medication on Vitamin D Status" Risk Man Heal Pol, 14, p. 3357-3381
Disease interactions
14 potential interactions Applies to: 13 conditions, including Gout, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Diabetes Mellitus, Hyperkalemia, and Liver Disease.
Acidosis
Major:
spironolactone
Spironolactone has a major potential interaction with Acidosis.
Acidosis alters the ratio of extracellular to intracellular potassium and may commonly lead to rapid increases in serum potassium levels. Conversely, high serum potassium concentrations may potentiate acidosis. Because of their hyperkalemic effects, therapy with potassium-sparing diuretics should be avoided in patients with metabolic or respiratory acidosis. These agents should be used cautiously in patients in whom acidosis may occur, such as patients with cardiopulmonary disease, severe respiratory disease, or poorly controlled diabetes. Acid-base balance and serum potassium levels should be monitored at regular intervals.
Appendicitis
Major:
Dosaflex
The senna in Dosaflex has a major potential interaction with Appendicitis.
The use of stimulant laxatives is contraindicated in patients with or who may have acute surgical abdomen or appendicitis. These patients may be candidates for emergency surgery. Stimulant laxatives should also not be administered to patients with abdominal pain, particularly if the cause has not been determined.
Bleeding Disorder
Major:
Dosaflex
The senna in Dosaflex has a major potential interaction with Bleeding Disorder.
The use of stimulant laxatives is contraindicated in patients with anal or rectal fissures. These preparations may cause irritation, burning sensation, and proctitis.
Diabetes Mellitus
Major:
spironolactone
Spironolactone has a major potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.
Potassium-sparing diuretics can cause hyperkalemia, which may result in life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Patients with diabetes mellitus, with or without nephropathy, may be particularly susceptible to the hyperkalemic effect of these drugs due to a defect in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis. Therapy with potassium-sparing diuretics should be avoided, if possible, in patients with diabetes, especially uncontrolled or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. If these drugs are used, serum potassium levels and renal function should be monitored at regular intervals. Determination of serum electrolytes is especially important during initiation of therapy, after a dosage adjustment, and during illness that could alter renal function.
Major:
spironolactone
Spironolactone has a major potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.
Acidosis alters the ratio of extracellular to intracellular potassium and may commonly lead to rapid increases in serum potassium levels. Conversely, high serum potassium concentrations may potentiate acidosis. Because of their hyperkalemic effects, therapy with potassium-sparing diuretics should be avoided in patients with metabolic or respiratory acidosis. These agents should be used cautiously in patients in whom acidosis may occur, such as patients with cardiopulmonary disease, severe respiratory disease, or poorly controlled diabetes. Acid-base balance and serum potassium levels should be monitored at regular intervals.
Electrolyte Abnormalities
Major:
spironolactone
Spironolactone has a major potential interaction with Electrolyte Abnormalities.
All diuretics may cause or aggravate fluid and electrolyte disturbances. Potassium-sparing diuretics may cause hyperkalemia and, infrequently, hyponatremia. The latter generally occurs when these agents are combined with other diuretics such as thiazides or used in markedly edematous patients with restricted sodium intake. Therapy with potassium-sparing diuretics should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposed to electrolyte abnormalities. Electrolyte imbalances should be corrected prior to initiating therapy, and serum electrolyte concentrations should be monitored periodically and maintained at normal ranges during therapy. Determination of serum electrolytes is especially important during initiation of therapy, after a dosage adjustment, and during illness that could alter renal function.
Gastrointestinal Obstruction
Major:
Dosaflex
The senna in Dosaflex has a major potential interaction with Gastrointestinal Obstruction.
The use of laxatives is contraindicated in patients with intestinal obstruction disorders. Patients with intestinal obstruction disorders may need their underlying condition treated to correct the constipation. Some laxatives require reduction in the colon to their active form to be effective which may be a problem in patients with intestinal obstruction.
Gout
Moderate:
spironolactone
Spironolactone has a moderate potential interaction with Gout.
Potassium-sparing diuretics have been reported to elevate serum uric acid levels. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of gout.
Hyperkalemia
Major:
spironolactone
Spironolactone has a major potential interaction with Hyperkalemia.
The use of potassium-sparing diuretics is contraindicated in the presence of elevated serum potassium concentrations (> 5.5 mEq/L). Potassium-sparing diuretics can cause hyperkalemia, which may result in life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Careful monitoring of serum potassium levels is necessary in all patients treated with potassium-sparing diuretics, especially during initiation of therapy, after dosage adjustment, and during illness that could alter renal function. The diuretic should be withdrawn immediately if hyperkalemia develops, and measures should be initiated to lower serum potassium if it exceeds 6.5 mEq/L. The combined use of a potassium-sparing diuretic with a kaliuretic diuretic (e.g., thiazides) may decrease the risk of hyperkalemia.
Hyponatremia
Major:
spironolactone
Spironolactone has a major potential interaction with Hyponatremia.
All diuretics may cause or aggravate fluid and electrolyte disturbances. Potassium-sparing diuretics may cause hyperkalemia and, infrequently, hyponatremia. The latter generally occurs when these agents are combined with other diuretics such as thiazides or used in markedly edematous patients with restricted sodium intake. Therapy with potassium-sparing diuretics should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposed to electrolyte abnormalities. Electrolyte imbalances should be corrected prior to initiating therapy, and serum electrolyte concentrations should be monitored periodically and maintained at normal ranges during therapy. Determination of serum electrolytes is especially important during initiation of therapy, after a dosage adjustment, and during illness that could alter renal function.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Major:
Dosaflex
The senna in Dosaflex has a major potential interaction with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
The use of laxatives is contraindicated in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease may experience colonic perforation with use of stimulant laxatives.
Liver Disease
Moderate:
spironolactone
Spironolactone has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.
Rapid alterations in fluid and electrolyte balance may precipitate hepatic coma in patients with liver disease. Hepatic encephalopathy has been associated with the use of diuretics, most frequently thiazides but also some potassium-sparing diuretics. Therapy with all diuretics should be administered cautiously in patients with impaired hepatic function. These patients should be monitored carefully for signs and symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy such as tremors, confusion, increased jaundice, and coma.
Pulmonary Impairment
Major:
spironolactone
Spironolactone has a major potential interaction with Pulmonary Impairment.
Acidosis alters the ratio of extracellular to intracellular potassium and may commonly lead to rapid increases in serum potassium levels. Conversely, high serum potassium concentrations may potentiate acidosis. Because of their hyperkalemic effects, therapy with potassium-sparing diuretics should be avoided in patients with metabolic or respiratory acidosis. These agents should be used cautiously in patients in whom acidosis may occur, such as patients with cardiopulmonary disease, severe respiratory disease, or poorly controlled diabetes. Acid-base balance and serum potassium levels should be monitored at regular intervals.
Renal Dysfunction
Major:
spironolactone
Spironolactone has a major potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.
The use of potassium-sparing diuretics is contraindicated in patients with anuria, acute or progressive renal insufficiency, or diabetic nephropathy. Potassium-sparing diuretics can cause hyperkalemia, which may result in life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Patients with impaired renal function may be particularly susceptible to the hyperkalemic effect of these drugs. Therapy with potassium-sparing diuretics should be administered cautiously in patients with evidence of renal function impairment (BUN > 30 mg/dL or serum creatinine > 1.5 mg/dL). If these drugs are used, serum potassium levels and renal function should be monitored at regular intervals. Determination of serum electrolytes is especially important during initiation of therapy, after a dosage adjustment, and during illness that could alter renal function.
More resources
Dosaflex
A total of 269 drugs are known to interact with Dosaflex.
- Dosaflex is in the drug class laxatives.
- Dosaflex is used to treat the following conditions:
spironolactone
A total of 369 drugs are known to interact with spironolactone.
- Spironolactone is in the following drug classes: aldosterone receptor antagonists, potassium-sparing diuretics.
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Spironolactone is used to treat the following conditions:
- Acne (off-label)
- Alcohol Use Disorder (off-label)
- Alopecia (off-label)
- Edema
- Gender Dysphoria (off-label)
- Heart Failure
- High Blood Pressure
- Hirsutism
- Hypokalemia
- Primary Hyperaldosteronism
- Primary Hyperaldosteronism Diagnosis
Drug Interaction Classification
| Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit. | |
| Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances. | |
| Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan. | |
| No interaction information available. |
Further information
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