Spironolactone use

I take spironolactone. I have done do for 5 years or so. I was prescribed it as part of my treatment for congestive heart failure, which includes issues with arrhythmias (although not Afib specifically) and blood pressure control. It is, as I understand it, a first line diuretic for the treatment of CHF for those of us who are not experiencing problems with fluid retention. As diuretics go, and I have been on others, it is a relatively mild one. The dose I take is 25 mg. daily, in the morning. I have not experienced any issues with it.

@bama921, I take 25 mg spironolactone along with 25 mg hydrochlorothiazide for high blood pressure (primary aldosteronism). I don't have issues with Afib but do use a Kardia mobile device every morning along with my Apple watch to check. The Apple watch series 9 always shows Sinus Rhythm but the Kardia device normally shows Sinus Rhythm with Supraventricular Ectopy and once in awhile will show with Wide QRS or just plain Sinus Rhythm. Once in awhile it will also show Afib but I don't feel any symptoms or differences.

The is an article just this week that said Apple watches cannot detect Afib over 120 BPM whereas Kardia can detect at higher rates. https://theskepticalcardiologist.com/2020/02/09/apple-watch-ecg-cannot-diagnose-atrial-fibrillation-faster-than-120-bpm/

Thank you

@bama921
I think over time everyone sees we are all diferent that works for and good for one does not mean it will be for you.

I have had heart failure since 2001 and on many medications. I only have HF on LV not RV and thus do not have any exercise restrictions and do not get short of breath. My heart failure specialist at Mayo Clinic does blood test every 6 months. The last one showed an enzyme that indicated heart was working harder.

He put me on Spironlactone. This medication had a lot of side effects. I immediately had back pain, swelling breast, nipple pain. I look at side affects and I had probably all of them. Sent message to heart failure doctor and he changed me to Eplerenone and they side affects stopped.

I now see my information list the Spironlactone as allergic to. I don't really notice any changes in the way I feel when started the Eplerenone (25 mg) other than mild direutic about an hour after I take it and then no increase in unrination after that.

Since these are prescribed medications and can't get it OTC having it prescribed prevents interaction issues with other medications. But many of us take OTC supplements and important that you inform your doctors you do take supplements and which ones to prevent adverse interaction with medications.

I had COVID back in June and was put on Plavalac (spell) by a walk in clinic. I then got a virtual appointment at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic advised me not to take the Plavalic as it interfered with statin drug and the Eplerenone making them much more potent. The walk in clinic DID not go over my medications prior to prescribing the Covid medication.

Yes. Along with Lasix. Both for diastolic dysfunction, CHF. I've had afib/flutter for nearly 30 years.

Is spironolactone also given to animals? Should I be taking the same medication. It is bring prescribed to replace atenolol that I have been taking for over 10 years. Now my blood pressure fluctuates a lot. Thank you for any info.

@bama921, Yes, spironolactone is a medication also given to animals - https://www.petmd.com/pet-medication/spironolactone. I have been taking it since the late 80's after participating in a Mayo Clinic Rochester heart study for high blood pressure and they determined my high blood pressure was caused by primary aldosteronism.

"Primary Aldosteronism Treatment - For overactivity of both adrenal glands, medication combined with lifestyle modifications can be effective. You might be prescribed the following medications: Spironolactone lowers high blood pressure and helps with low potassium levels."
-- Primary Aldosteronism | Johns Hopkins Medicine
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/primary-aldosteronism
My BP fluctuates some also depending on what I am doing. I think it would be a good idea to discuss your concerns with your doctor.

Thank you