General Drug Information and Indications

Aldosterone antagonist/potassium-sparing diuretic for CHF, edema, and ascites in dogs and cats. Aldosterone receptor antagonist / potassium-sparing diuretic (spironolactone). Mechanism: competitive antagonist of aldosterone at mineralocorticoid receptors in distal nephron → blocks sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion → mild diuresis without potassium loss. Anti-fibrotic cardiac effects (anti-aldosterone). Used with loop diuretics to prevent hypokalemia and for cardiac remodeling prevention. Key information Aldosterone antagonist/potassium-sparing diuretic. Monitor potassium — hyperkalemia risk. Do not combine with ACE inhibitors without monitoring. Monitor renal function. Antiandrogenic effects — avoid in intact male breeding animals.

How to Give this Medication

Oral tablets: Administer orally. May be given with food to improve compliance and reduce GI upset. Administer with food to reduce GI adverse effects. Tablets may be crushed and mixed into food. Administer at consistent times. Store at room temperature; protect from light. If a dose is missed Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. If the next dose is due within a few hours, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Never give a double dose.

Side Effects

Hyperkalemia (especially with concurrent ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or high-K+ diet — monitor electrolytes). Hyponatremia. GI: vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia. Diuretic effect: dehydration with excessive dosing. Endocrine effects (anti-androgenic) with prolonged use.

Precautions

For animals Monitor potassium — hyperkalemia risk with concurrent ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or potassium-sparing diets. Drug interaction: NSAIDs reduce diuretic effect. Use with caution in pregnant animals. For people handling this medication Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Avoid contact with eyes; if contact occurs, flush with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention. Keep out of reach of children. If accidental ingestion occurs, contact Poison Control (1-800-222-1222). Aldosterone antagonist — Keep out of reach of children. Pregnant women and women of childbearing age should avoid contact. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Anti-androgenic effects with chronic human exposure. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

Contact your veterinarian. Spironolactone overdose causes high potassium (hyperkalemia), weakness, and cardiac arrhythmias. Electrolyte monitoring required.

Spironolact Tab dosage forms

ProductStrengthFormSizeType
SPIRONOLACT TAB 100MG100MGTablet—Commercial
SPIRONOLACT TAB 100MG100MGTablet—Commercial

Sources

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual (merckvetmanual.com); Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook (Plumb, D.C., app.plumbs.com)