Aldactone® (Spironolactone) for Edema and Hypertension

Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic used to reduce fluid buildup and lower blood pressure. This page explains how it works, common doses, and safety tips. You can arrange US delivery from Canada and view cash pricing without insurance.

At CanadianInsulin, orders are filled by licensed Canadian pharmacies after we confirm a valid prescription with your clinic.

What Spironolactone Is and How It Works

Spironolactone is the generic for Aldactone®, an aldosterone receptor antagonist. It helps the kidneys remove excess salt and water while conserving potassium. By blocking aldosterone, it reduces edema from conditions like heart failure and liver disease. It also lowers blood pressure in primary hypertension. Patients may also use it to correct low potassium caused by other diuretics.

We provide Canadian pricing with US delivery from Canada, so you can order spironolactone online confidently. For general education on high blood pressure, see our overview of High Blood Pressure.

Who Spironolactone Is For

Spironolactone treats edema from heart failure, cirrhosis with ascites, or nephrotic syndrome. It is indicated for hypertension, usually with other medicines when needed. It is used to diagnose and treat primary hyperaldosteronism. Clinicians may also use it to prevent or treat hypokalemia when appropriate.

Patients with hyperkalemia, anuria, Addison’s disease, or severe kidney impairment should avoid spironolactone. It may not be suitable in pregnancy or during breastfeeding. People with liver disease, kidney disease, or low blood pressure require careful monitoring. Review your full medication list with your clinician before starting. For condition context, visit Heart Failure. You can also read how newer options support care in SGLT2 Inhibitors.

Dosage and Usage

Follow your prescriber’s directions. Typical adult starting doses vary by condition and response.

• Heart failure or edema: many start at 25 mg daily. Your prescriber may adjust at intervals based on potassium and kidney function.
• Hypertension: common doses range from 25 mg to 100 mg daily in one or two doses. It may be combined with other blood pressure medicines.
• Hypokalemia: 25 mg to 100 mg daily is typical when used to help maintain potassium.
• Primary hyperaldosteronism: diagnostic or maintenance doses are often higher and individualized.

Take with food if stomach upset occurs. Avoid potassium supplements or salt substitutes unless your clinician approves. Lab checks for potassium and creatinine guide adjustments. When unsure, defer to the official label.

Strengths and Forms

Availability may vary by pharmacy and manufacturer.

• Tablets: 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg
• Oral suspension: commonly 25 mg per 5 mL

Not all forms are in stock at all times. Your prescriber may choose a specific form if you need flexible dosing.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it is close to the next dose. Skip the missed dose if it is near the next scheduled time. Do not double doses. For once-daily dosing, take at the same time each day. To reduce nighttime urination, many patients take daytime doses.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets at room temperature in a dry place away from moisture. Keep the bottle tightly closed. For oral suspension, follow the package instructions and noted shelf life. When traveling, keep your medication in your carry-on and in the original labeled container. Use a basic pill organizer only if it will not expose tablets to heat or humidity.

Benefits

Spironolactone helps relieve swelling, improves symptoms of fluid overload, and supports blood pressure control. It conserves potassium, which can be helpful when other diuretics lower potassium levels. By countering aldosterone’s effects, it may reduce hospitalizations in selected heart failure patients when used as directed. Many patients appreciate once-daily dosing and the long history of use.

Side Effects and Safety

• Common: dizziness, fatigue, headache, mild nausea, diarrhea, or stomach upset
• Electrolytes: high potassium, especially with kidney disease or interacting drugs
• Hormonal: breast tenderness or enlargement, menstrual changes, sexual side effects
• Others: rash, muscle cramps, leg cramps

Serious risks can include significant hyperkalemia, kidney injury, severe low blood pressure, or rare allergic reactions. Spironolactone carried tumor findings in animal studies; use it only for approved indications. Contact a clinician if you notice severe weakness, irregular heartbeat, sudden weight gain from fluid, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face or throat.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Interactions can increase potassium or affect kidney function. Use caution with ACE inhibitors, ARBs, ARNIs, direct renin inhibitors, or other potassium-sparing agents. For background on ACE inhibitors, see Ramipril Uses.

• Do not combine with potassium supplements or salt substitutes unless approved.
• ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or ARNI therapy can raise potassium. Monitoring is essential. For ARNI context, review Entresto Dose.
• Trimethoprim, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, cyclosporine, or heparin can increase hyperkalemia risk.
• NSAIDs may reduce diuretic effect and worsen kidney function in some patients.
• Lithium levels may rise; toxicity risk increases.
• Digoxin levels may be affected; clinicians may monitor closely.

Avoid alcohol excess due to dizziness or low blood pressure risk. Patients with kidney or liver impairment need careful supervision. Regular blood tests help manage safety.

What to Expect Over Time

Swelling from fluid overload may improve within days as diuresis begins. Blood pressure lowering can take days to a few weeks, depending on dose and combinations. Your clinician will check potassium and kidney function, then adjust dosing. Some hormonal side effects may lessen after dose changes or discontinuation when appropriate.

Compare With Alternatives

For swelling, a loop diuretic is often considered. Furosemide is commonly used for more rapid fluid removal. For blood pressure, a thiazide-type option like Hydrochlorothiazide may be selected, alone or in a combination pill. Your clinician will match the medicine to your condition, kidney function, and lab results.

Pricing and Access

See Canadian pricing and compare strengths before you buy spironolactone online. You can view current costs and typical savings even without insurance. Place your order for US shipping from Canada after we verify your prescription. Encrypted checkout protects your information.

Looking for broader options? Explore related therapies under Heart Health Medications.

Availability and Substitutions

Stock can vary by strength or form. If a specific tablet or suspension is unavailable, your prescriber may recommend a therapeutic alternative or a different strength with adjusted dosing. Pharmacists can also help source suitable generics.

Patient Suitability and Cost Saving Tips

Spironolactone may suit adults with edema from heart failure, cirrhosis, or nephrotic syndrome, as well as patients with hypertension or hyperaldosteronism. It may not suit patients with high potassium, severe kidney problems, or certain endocrine disorders. Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should discuss risks and alternatives.

• Ask about multi-month quantities when appropriate to reduce per-fill costs.
• Set reminders for refills so your supply never lapses.
• Keep all lab appointments to maintain safe, effective therapy.
• Review dietary potassium and salt substitutes with your clinician.

For more background on cardiovascular conditions, see Heart Failure and our overview of High Blood Pressure.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• What goal do you have for my edema or blood pressure with spironolactone?
• How often should I check potassium and kidney function?
• Which foods or supplements should I limit to avoid high potassium?
• Should I take spironolactone with other diuretics or blood pressure medicines?
• What signs of dehydration or low blood pressure should I watch for?
• Is a tablet or suspension better for my dosing plan?
• What is the plan if labs change or side effects occur?

Authoritative Sources

• FDA DailyMed
• Aldactone Prescribing Information
• Health Canada DPD

Ready to start? Place your spironolactone order for US delivery from Canada today.

Disclaimer: This information is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always follow your clinician’s guidance and the official label.