Can I take Spironolactone and Potassium together?

Perché succede

Spironolactone is a 'potassium-sparing diuretic' (water tablet). Unlike most water tablets that make you lose potassium in your urine, spironolactone tells your kidneys to hold onto potassium while getting rid of extra salt and water. If you take extra potassium supplements at the same time, the potassium builds up in your body because the kidneys are being blocked from flushing the excess away.

You should only take potassium supplements with spironolactone if your doctor has specifically told you to do so and is monitoring your blood levels closely. Avoid using 'salt substitutes' (like Lo-Salt) which are made of potassium chloride. You should also be careful with eating very large amounts of potassium-rich foods like bananas or spinach. Your doctor will likely perform regular blood tests to check your potassium levels and kidney function. Seek medical help immediately if you feel an irregular heartbeat or extreme muscle weakness.

Hyperkalaemia (High Potassium)

Taking these medicines together significantly increases the risk of dangerously high potassium levels in your blood. This can cause life-threatening heart rhythm problems. You must have regular blood tests to monitor your potassium and kidney function.

Gravidanza

Spironolactone should not be used in pregnancy as it has an anti-androgen effect that can interfere with the normal development of a male foetus.

Salt Substitutes

Avoid using 'Lo-Salt' or other potassium-based salt substitutes. These contain high levels of potassium which, when combined with these medicines, can lead to a toxic build-up of potassium in your body.

High-potassium foods (e.g. bananas, oranges, spinach, avocados)

Spironolactone is a 'potassium-sparing' diuretic, meaning it helps your body hold onto potassium. Taking it alongside potassium supplements or a diet very high in potassium can cause your blood potassium levels to become dangerously high (hyperkalaemia). You should avoid consuming excessive amounts of these foods and only take potassium supplements if specifically directed by your doctor while on spironolactone.

Salt substitutes (e.g. Lo-Salt)

Many salt substitutes use potassium chloride instead of sodium. Using these while taking spironolactone or potassium supplements can lead to a rapid and dangerous rise in blood potassium levels. You should avoid these products entirely.

Alcol

Spironolactone lowers your blood pressure. Drinking alcohol can increase this effect, making you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or faint, especially when standing up. It is best to keep alcohol intake to a minimum until you know how the medicine affects you.

Food (General)

Spironolactone should ideally be taken with food. This helps your body absorb the medicine better and can reduce the chance of feeling sick (nausea).

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Avvertenza

Queste informazioni sono solo a scopo educativo generale e non devono essere considerate un sostituto del consiglio medico professionale. Consultate sempre il vostro medico di base, farmacista o un altro professionista sanitario qualificato prima di prendere decisioni sui vostri farmaci. Le circostanze individuali possono variare, e solo un professionista sanitario che conosce la vostra storia medica può fornire una guida personalizzata.