Nutritional Side Effects of Spironolactone
Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic used to treat high blood pressure or fluid retention. As with all diuretics, spironolactone must be taken in combination with a low-sodium diet and increased water intake but may also raise potassium levels in the body. Spironolactone may also interfere with the excretion of other minerals and cause depletion of some vitamins 1.
About Spironolactone
Spironolactone inhibits the activity of the mineralocorticoid hormone aldosterone, which signals the body to retain sodium and water as well as excrete potassium. Spironolactone may be prescribed for hyperaldosteronism, high blood pressure or fluid retention due to heart, liver or kidney disease. Its effects on aldosterone results in the removal of retained salt and water from the body.
Side Effects
Diuretics and Low Blood Pressure
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Spironolactone interferes with the removal of potassium by the kidneys and may interfere with the removal of magnesium and other minerals. Though sodium should be limited, it is possible for spironolactone to cause excessive loss of sodium and water. Spironolactone may cause:
- dry mouth
- nausea
- thirst
- dizziness
- headache
- fatigue that may be signs of dehydration
Spironolactone may also cause enlarged or painful breasts, irregular menstruation, erectile dysfunction or increased hair growth.
Diet on Spironolactone
You should follow a low-sodium diet while on spironolactone. Normal sodium intake is from 1,200 to 1,500 mg per day, but your doctor will instruct you on specifics. Your doctor may also direct you to limit your intake of potassium-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables to prevent elevated potassium levels. Some evidence suggests that spironolactone may prevent your body from excreting magnesium; avoid supplements containing magnesium. Spironolactone may also deplete folic acid, or vitamin B-9; be sure to take a multivitamin.
- You should follow a low-sodium diet while on spironolactone.
- Some evidence suggests that spironolactone may prevent your body from excreting magnesium; avoid supplements containing magnesium.
Interactions
Dehydration and Sodium Levels
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Check with your healthcare provider before taking any over-the-counter medications or dietary supplements while on spironolactone. Many supplements have diuretic activity that can raise the risk of dehydration while on spironolactone. Avoid excessive intake of alcohol or caffeine, as they also act as diuretics. Taking spironolactone with food may increase its absorption; be sure to take this medication the same way everyday.
- Check with your healthcare provider before taking any over-the-counter medications or dietary supplements while on spironolactone.
- Taking spironolactone with food may increase its absorption; be sure to take this medication the same way everyday.
Related Articles
References
- NaturalNews.com; Spironolactone side effects and nutritional deficiencies; 2007
- Colorado State University; Mineralocorticoids; R. Bowen; 1999
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Overweight and Obesity. Adult Obesity Facts. Obesity is a common, serious, and costly disease. Page last reviewed February 27, 2020.
- US National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus. Spironolactone. Updated 16 March 2020.
- Faconti L, Mills CE, Govoni V, et al. Cardiac effects of 6 months' dietary nitrate and spironolactone in patients with hypertension and with/at risk of Type 2 diabetes, in the factorial design, double-blind, randomized controlled VaSera trial. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2019;85(1):169–180. doi:10.1111/bcp.13783
- Sirmans SM, Pate KA. Epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of polycystic ovary syndrome. Clin Epidemiol. 2013;6:1-13. doi:10.2147/CLEP.S37559
- Butler J, Anstrom KJ, Felker GM, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Spironolactone in Acute Heart Failure: The ATHENA-HF Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Cardiol. 2017;2(9):950–958. doi:10.1001/jamacardio.2017.2198
- Desai AS, Liu J, Pfeffer MA, et al. Incident Hyperkalemia, Hypokalemia, and Clinical Outcomes During Spironolactone Treatment of Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: Analysis of the TOPCAT Trial. J Card Fail. 2018;24(5):313–320. doi:10.1016/j.cardfail.2018.03.002
- Layton AM, Eady EA, Whitehouse H, Del Rosso JQ, Fedorowicz Z, van Zuuren EJ. Oral Spironolactone for Acne Vulgaris in Adult Females: A Hybrid Systematic Review. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2017;18(2):169–191. doi:10.1007/s40257-016-0245-x
- Yu BC, Lee MS, Moon JJ, et al. Efficacy of low-dose spironolactone on top of angiotensin receptor blockade in patients with glomerulonephritis. Kidney Res Clin Pract. 2018;37(3):257–265. doi:10.23876/j.krcp.2018.37.3.257
Writer Bio
Chris Daniels covers advances in nutrition and fitness online. Daniels has numerous certifications and degrees covering human health, nutritional requirements and sports performance. An avid cyclist, weightlifter and swimmer, Daniels has experienced the journey of fitness in the role of both an athlete and coach.