- Class
- Diuretics
- Body system
- Cardiovascular
- Brand names
- Aldactone, CaroSpir
What is Spironolactone used for?
- Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
- Edema in cirrhosis
- Primary hyperaldosteronism
- Resistant hypertension
How Spironolactone works
Potassium-sparing diuretic: blocks aldosterone, so the kidney excretes sodium and water but keeps potassium.
Common side effects
- Hyperkalemia
- Gynecomastia and breast tenderness
- Menstrual irregularities
- Dizziness
Report right away
- Muscle weakness, numbness or irregular heartbeat (high potassium)
- Breast enlargement or pain
Nursing considerations for Spironolactone
- Monitor potassium and kidney function closely, especially with ACE inhibitors or ARBs.
- Hold and notify the prescriber for a high potassium level.
Patient teaching
- Avoid potassium supplements, salt substitutes and large amounts of high-potassium foods unless told otherwise.
- Report breast changes.
This card does not list doses. Use the prescriber's order, the product label and a current drug reference for dosing, and follow your facility's policies.
Diuretics practice questions
NCLEX-style questions on the class Spironolactone belongs to.
3 questions. Choose an answer to see the rationale.
-
A patient takes furosemide and digoxin. Which lab result is most important before giving both?
Show answer
Answer B: Potassium 3.1 mEq/L Hypokalemia from the loop diuretic increases the risk of digoxin toxicity. A potassium of 3.1 is low and should be reported.
-
Which diuretic requires the patient to avoid salt substitutes?
Show answer
Answer B: Spironolactone Spironolactone is potassium-sparing. Salt substitutes contain potassium chloride and can cause hyperkalemia.
-
What is the most accurate way to evaluate a diuretic's effect on fluid status at home?
Show answer
Answer B: Daily weight at the same time each day Daily weight is the most reliable indicator of fluid gain or loss: 1 kg is about 1 liter of fluid.
Frequently asked questions
What is Spironolactone used for?
Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction; Edema in cirrhosis; Primary hyperaldosteronism; Resistant hypertension.
What drug class is Spironolactone?
Spironolactone belongs to the class diuretics. Potassium-sparing diuretic: blocks aldosterone, so the kidney excretes sodium and water but keeps potassium.
What are the nursing considerations for Spironolactone?
Monitor potassium and kidney function closely, especially with ACE inhibitors or ARBs. Hold and notify the prescriber for a high potassium level.
What should patients report while taking Spironolactone?
muscle weakness, numbness or irregular heartbeat (high potassium); breast enlargement or pain.