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Spironolactone use in animals and humans
My doctor prescribed me spironolactone to replace the atenolol and hydrochlorothiazide I am now taking for HBP and Afib. I am also taking Multaq. I am concerned about switching because I saw on the web that it is also prescribed to animals. I never heard about humans and animals taking the same meds. Any advice would be extremely helpful to me.
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Spironolactone was a miracle drug for my mother. In my experience animals do take human meds. Trazadone, antibiotics, more.
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1 ReactionI take spironolactone off-label for hormonal acne (which is very common). My dose is 125 mg, though it may be different for another condition, but I haven’t had any problematic side effects.
It has a diuretic effect, so it draws water out which will increase urinary frequency, but as long as I stay hydrated I honestly don’t even notice. But if you don’t stay hydrated, the diuretic effect can cause headaches and such. I also experienced breast pain, which is a known side effect, but it’s mild and for some reason when I started taking an omega 3 supplement, it went away. I know it’s the spironolactone because whenever I miss doses of the omega 3, the pain comes back.
I’m no expert, but as far as I know there are many medications used by humans and animals. Before our “senior dog” passed, he was taking glucosamine, a joint supplement that humans also take (it has better efficacy in dogs), a diuretic for a heart condition that I can’t remember the name of, but I know it was also prescribed for humans, and he tried gabapentin.
The doses, formulation, and purpose may be different but the important part is finding the right medication and dose for you.