SPIRONOLACTONE,TORASEMIDE

Background and Date of Approval

Spironolactone and torasemide are diuretic medications belonging to the classes of aldosterone receptor antagonists and loop diuretics respectively. Spironolactone received FDA approval on 21 January 1960 for the treatment of oedema and hypertension.

Uses

Spironolactone,Torasemide are used in the treatment of heart failure and in hypertension (patients with high blood pressure). It is also used to treat low potassium levels in the body which is otherwise known as hypokalemia and reduces the swelling (edema in the body).

How is it administered?

This medication is taken as per the advice of the doctor. It can be taken in the morning in order to avoid frequent urination during the night times. Take this medication at the same time every day. Avoid breaking or chewing the tablet. Instead, swallow it whole with a glass of water.

Side Effects

The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Spironolactone, Torasemide are stomach pain, headache, dizziness, leg cramps, hair loss, nausea, and vomiting. Some serious side effects also include irregular heartbeat, skin rash, and breast pain. If you experience any allergic or unusual reactions after taking this medicine, report them to your doctor immediately.

Warnings

This medication is taken as per the advice of the doctor. It can be taken in the morning in order to avoid frequent urination during the night times. It’s important to take this medicine with food at the same time every day. You should not stop taking this medication when you feel better because it can cause the condition to worse. If you are taking this medication for high blood pressure along with medication you have to follow lifestyle changes like exercising regularly and a low-salt diet to increase the effectiveness of this medicine. Avoid the consumption of alcohol as it increases the side effects of this medication.

Precautions

Before you start this medication, discuss the kidney, heart, and liver diseases that you have had for a longer period of time. Tell about all the medications you are taking for different diseases and inform your doctor about your pregnancy or if you are planning for pregnancy and if you are a breastfeeding mother because it can cause harmful effects and birth defects in a developing child. Blood pressure and potassium levels should be checked regularly and kidney function tests should be monitored while taking this medication.

Word of Advice

Inform your doctor if you have a history of allergic reactions to prevent serious complications. Take this medication in the morning, as it may cause frequent urination. Before starting treatment, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or have heart, liver, kidney, or uterine disorders, and disclose all other medications you are taking, as they may interact with this treatment. During use of this medication, kidney function tests require regular monitoring. Blood pressure and potassium levels should be checked regularly.

References

Aldactone 100 mg film-coated tablets - patient information leaflet (PIL) - (EMC). Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/2898/pil (Accessed: April 5, 2023). Aldactone - Food and Drug Administration. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2008/012151s062lbl.pdf (Accessed: April 5, 2023). DailyMed - spironolactone- spironolactone tablet, film coated U.S. National Library of Medicine. National Institutes of Health. Available at: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=a7510768-8a52-4230-6aa0-b0d92d82588f (Accessed: April 5, 2023). Highlights of prescribing information- pfizer. Available at: https://labeling.pfizer.com/ShowLabeling.aspx?format=PDF&id=520 (Accessed: April 5, 2023).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Spironolactone, Torasemide a steroid?

Yes. Spironolactone, Torasemide is a steroid which has oestrogen like effects on the effects of the hormone’s aldosterone and testosterone and it can also cause side effects like tenderness on breast for both men and women.

Is Spironolactone, Torasemide harmful for kidneys?

This medication can worsen the condition in the patients with low salt content in their body and in the patients who take other medications for blood pressure. So, consult your doctor before using this medication.

Can Spironolactone, Torasemide cause an increase in breast size?

Yes, it causes an increase in breast size in both females and male because it is the anti-androgenic hormone that inhibits the function of testosterone. It has oestrogen effects which is the reason for the enlargement of breast when it is used for a longer period of time.

What does Spironolactone, Torasemide do to hormones?

This medicine blocks the action of aldosterone which is the hormone released by the pituitary gland. As it causes decreased fluid and electrolyte balance it can lead to sodium retention which leads to high blood pressure and heart diseases.

Does Spironolactone, Torasemide cause frequent urination?

Yes, this medication causes frequent urination as it is a diuretic which is otherwise known as a water pill. It's better to take this medication during morning time in order to avoid disturbances during sleep at night time.

Written By: Muskan Patel, M.Pharm

Reviewed By: Dr. Vishwa Patel, MBBS