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Spironolactone Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 11, 2023.

Applies to spironolactone: oral suspension, oral tablet.

Serious side effects of spironolactone

Along with its needed effects, spironolactone may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking spironolactone:

Incidence not known

  • bleeding gums
  • bloody or black, tarry stools
  • bloody urine
  • blurred vision
  • breast pain
  • chest pain
  • clay-colored stools
  • clear or bloody discharge from the nipple
  • cloudy urine
  • confusion
  • constipation
  • cough
  • dark urine
  • decrease in urine output or decrease in urine-concentrating ability
  • diarrhea
  • difficulty with swallowing
  • dimpling of the breast skin
  • dizziness
  • dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
  • drowsiness
  • fast or irregular heartbeat
  • fever with or without chills
  • general feeling of tiredness or weakness
  • headache
  • heartburn
  • hives, itching, or skin rash
  • hoarseness
  • increased thirst
  • indigestion
  • inverted nipple
  • loss of appetite
  • loss of consciousness
  • lower back or side pain
  • lump in the breast or under the arm
  • muscle pain or cramps
  • muscle spasms or twitching
  • nausea
  • painful or difficult urination
  • persistent crusting or scaling of the nipple
  • pinpoint red spots on the skin
  • puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
  • redness or swelling of the breast
  • seizures
  • severe stomach pain
  • shakiness and unsteady walk
  • sore on the skin of the breast that does not heal
  • sore throat
  • sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
  • stomach cramping, burning, or tenderness
  • swelling of the face, fingers, feet, ankles, or lower legs
  • swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin
  • tightness in the chest
  • trembling
  • troubled breathing
  • unpleasant breath odor
  • unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • vomiting
  • vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
  • weight gain
  • yellow eyes or skin

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking spironolactone:

Symptoms of overdose

Other side effects of spironolactone

Some side effects of spironolactone may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

  • burning feeling in the chest or stomach
  • decreased interest in sexual intercourse
  • hair loss or thinning of the hair
  • inability to have or keep an erection
  • leg cramps
  • loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
  • pain in the nipples
  • sores, welts, or blisters
  • stomach upset
  • swelling of the breasts or breast soreness in both females and males
  • unusual dullness or feeling of sluggishness

For healthcare professionals

Applies to spironolactone: compounding powder, oral suspension, oral tablet.

General

The most common adverse effect was gynecomastia.[Ref]

Endocrine

Metabolic

Genitourinary

Nervous system

Gastrointestinal

Psychiatric

Oncologic

Other

Dermatologic

Musculoskeletal

Renal

Hematologic

Immunologic

Cardiovascular

Hepatic

References

1. (2001) "Product Information. Aldactone (spironolactone)." Searle

2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."

3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."

Frequently asked questions

Further information

Spironolactone side effects can vary depending on the individual. 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.