Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS website.
Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature L: Laxatives.

Taking Spironolactone With Other Medicines And Herbal Supplements

NHS medicines information on possible interactions with spironolactone and other medicines, herbal remedies and supplements.

Cautions with other medicines

Some medicines affect spironolactone and stop it working properly or increase the chances of you having side effects.

Tell your doctor if you're taking any of these medicines:

  • eplerenone, a medicine used to treat high blood pressure which works in a similar way to spironolactone
  • other diuretics - do not take diuretics that increase potassium levels (such as amiloride) with spironolactone. You can take other diuretics (such as furosemide) with spironolactone if your doctor recommends it
  • other medicines that increase your potassium levels. Examples include some medicines that help to prevent blood clots, such as enoxaparin, and some antibiotics, such as trimethoprim
  • ACE inhibitors, used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure, such as ramipril, lisinopril, perindopril or enalapril
  • digoxin, a medicine used to treat an irregular heartbeat
  • painkillers known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin

Mixing spironolactone with medicines that you buy from a pharmacy or shop

Do not take NSAIDs such as ibuprofen with spironolactone unless your doctor says it's OK.

Some products to help symptoms of indigestion and urinary tract infections (UTIs) contain potassium, and may not be suitable while you're taking spironolactone. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor to see if these medicines are safe to take with spironolactone.

Mixing spironolactone with herbal remedies and supplements

Do not take supplements that are high in potassium, such as Sando K tablets or Kay-Cee-L syrup. Taking these with spironolactone can cause your potassium levels to become too high.

There's very little information about taking other herbal remedies and supplements with spironolactone. They're not tested in the same way as pharmacy and prescription medicines. They're generally not tested for the effect they have on other medicines.



OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature L: Laxatives. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features.

If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.

Photos: LightFieldStudios and one of VladOrlov, Stockcube, darak77, ajr_images or rawpixel.com.

 

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