Spironolactone and sodium

[Bazinga89]

Should doctor monitor kidneys and sodium/potassium levels while taking spironolactone 50mg? If yes how often?

[Kji378]

Hi 👋

I can only tell you what I have been through and told.

For me personally, I was taking 300mg a day of Spironolactone, now reduced to 200mg.

My sodium levels were being monitored carefully as my sodium was super low on admission of hospital.

Spironolactone lowers sodium and holds on to potassium, that's a simple way of putting it, as it can be a bit of a see-saw... ie Potassium levels can go up, sodium levels can go down. It obviously varies for each person and their own medical issues.

How often would be down to your GP and Consultant and the results of blood tests can vary from each test.

I hope this makes sense, definitely ask to speak to your Consultant.

Other people on here will be along soon and reply and probably more helpful.

Take good care 😊

[Bazinga89 in reply to Kji378]

Hello. Thanks for response. My sodium level was very low as well but consultant gave me 50mg of spironolactone and didnt say nothing.Earlier i had 200mg and i done test private and my kidneys were bad and sodium lvl was very low. My GP is an idiot who keeps saying call consultant. Im wondering if i should call and ask for blood test

[Kji378 in reply to Bazinga89]

I think that's a very good idea. Call first thing tomorrow unless you need urgent help. Are you showing any physical symptoms?

May I ask what you mean by doing a private test? Is it a liver related issue for taking the Spironolactone?

Did you decide to take 200mg of your own accord, or were you advised to do so? It's quite a jump from 50mg.

Sorry for the questions, I'm just trying to understand 🙂

[Bazinga89 in reply to Kji378]

I texted you.

[Liverandlife]

I am taking 100mg spronolactone and 1mg butenamide to control the ascites. My consultant has recommended a blood test every 4 weeks, which inludes sodium and potassium levels. They vary all the time but I'm afraid I have not been able to tie it to any particular factor.

[Bazinga89 in reply to Liverandlife]

Thanks. I have 50mg a day and consultant says that the dose is very small so not need to control 😑