Cat & Dog - Spironolactone

Why has my veterinary surgeon prescribed this medicine?

Spironolactone is used for the treatment of congestive heart failure caused by valvular regurgitation.  Your veterinary surgeon may also prescribe other medication to help your pet's heart function better.

How does this medicine work?

The main way spironolactone works is by blocking the actions of aldosterone in the kidneys, heart and blood vessels.  This causes the kidneys to excrete salt and fluids but retain potassium and therefore heart function is improved.

How do I give this medication?

• Give this medication to your pet as directed by your veterinary surgeon.  READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.
• Try to give this medication at about the same time each day with food.
• DO NOT give your pet more medicine than directed and DO NOT give more often than directed.
• Wash your hands after handling the medication.  
• In case of accidental ingestion, seek medical advice immediately and show the package, leaflet or label to the physician.
• Try not to miss giving any doses.

What if I miss giving a dose?

Give the dose as soon as possible.  If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule.  Do not give your pet two doses at once.

How do I store this medicine?

Keep this medicine out of reach of children.  Store this medicine in a cool, dry place at room temperature.  Store away from heat and direct sunlight.  Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places.  The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.

Potential side effects

• Your veterinary surgeon may need to monitor your pet's blood to check potassium levels and other parameters. Tell your veterinary surgeon if your pet is suffering from hypoadrenocorticism, high blood-potassium levels or low blood-sodium levels.
• Although a drug has potential side effects, it does not mean that there is necessarily a high risk of any of these occurring.  Tell your veterinary surgeon if you think your pet may be intended for breeding, or may be pregnant or nursing young.
• Possible side effects include excessive thirst and weakness.  Contact your veterinary surgeon if side effects are noted and they are troublesome.
• Other side effects may occur.  If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinary surgeon.

Possible drug interactions

• Make sure to tell your veterinary surgeon what other medication you are giving to your pet because spironolactone must not be administered with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in dogs with poor kidney function.
• Quite often your veterinary surgeon may prescribe two different medications, and a drug interaction may be anticipated.  In this case, your veterinary surgeon may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.
• Drugs may interact such that they can cause an increased or decreased effect or side effects. Although drug interactions may occur, it does not mean that there is necessarily a high risk of any of these occurring.
• Contact your veterinary surgeon if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.