Spironolactone Side Effects
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 11, 2022.
Applies to spironolactone: oral suspension, oral tablets.
Side effects include:
Most common adverse effect (incidence >5%): Gynecomastia.
Other adverse effects: Hyperkalemia; hypotension; worsening renal function; hyponatremia; hypomagnesemia; hypocalcemia; hypochloremic alkalosis; hyperglycemia; impaired neurologic function/coma in patients with hepatic impairment, cirrhosis and ascites.
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to spironolactone: compounding powder, oral suspension, oral tablet.
General
The most common adverse effect was gynecomastia.[Ref]
Endocrine
Very common (10% or more): Gynecomastia (13%)
Frequency not reported: Breast disorders in women, slight androgenic effects, breast tenderness in women, voice deepening in women, breast pain[Ref]
Metabolic
Common (1% to 10%): Hyperkalemia, hyponatremia
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Acidosis in patients with liver problems
Rare (less than 0.1%): Dehydration, porphyria, hyperuricemia
Frequency not reported: Reversible hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis in patients with decompensated hepatic cirrhosis, electrolyte disturbances[Ref]
Genitourinary
Common (1% to 10%): Changes in vaginal secretions, amenorrhea, postmenopausal bleeding
Frequency not reported: Reproductive system disorders, erectile dysfunction, impotence, menstrual disorders[Ref]
Nervous system
Common (1% to 10%): Lethargy in patients with cirrhosis, paresthesia
Rare (less than 0.1%): Paralysis, paraplegia of the limbs due to hyperkalemia
Frequency not reported: Headache, drowsiness, dizziness, ataxia[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Common (1% to 10%): Nausea, vomiting
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Gastric inflammation, gastric ulcers, intestinal hemorrhage, cramps
Frequency not reported: Digestive system disorders, diarrhea, indigestion, gastric bleeding[Ref]
Psychiatric
Common (1% to 10%): Libido reduced in women
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Confusion
Frequency not reported: Libido reduced in men[Ref]
Oncologic
Common (1% to 10%): Malaise
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Breast cancer[Ref]
Other
Common (1% to 10%): Weakness
Frequency not reported: Fatigue, fever[Ref]
Dermatologic
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Rash, urticaria, erythema, chloasma, pruritus, exanthema
Rare (less than 0.1%): Eczema
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Alopecia, erythema annulare centrifugum, hypertrichosis
Frequency not reported: Hirsutism, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), maculopapular or erythematous cutaneous eruptions[Ref]
Musculoskeletal
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Muscle spasms, leg cramps
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Systemic lupus erythematosus, osteomalacia[Ref]
Renal
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Serum creatinine elevated
Rare (less than 0.1%): BUN increased
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Acute renal failure
Frequency not reported: Renal dysfunction[Ref]
Hematologic
Rare (less than 0.1%): Thrombocytopenia, eosinophilia, leukopenia
Frequency not reported: Agranulocytosis[Ref]
Immunologic
Rare (less than 0.1%): Hypersensitivity
Frequency not reported: Anaphylactic reactions[Ref]
Cardiovascular
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Vasculitis
Frequency not reported: Mild hypotension[Ref]
Hepatic
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Hepatitis
Frequency not reported: Mixed cholestatic/hepatocellular toxicity[Ref]
Frequently asked questions
More about spironolactone
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Reviews (687)
- Drug images
- Latest FDA alerts (2)
- Dosage information
- Patient tips
- During pregnancy
- Support group
- Drug class: aldosterone receptor antagonists
- Breastfeeding
- En español
Patient resources
Other brands
Professional resources
Related treatment guides
References
1. Product Information. Aldactone (spironolactone). Searle. 2001.
2. Cerner Multum, Inc. UK Summary of Product Characteristics.
3. Cerner Multum, Inc. Australian Product Information.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.