Started to get ascites a couple of months ago and have since had two drains (11.5 and 16 litres), and was put on 200mg of spironolactone a day.
The most irritating side effect is the leg cramps as soon as I go to bed.
How has everybody else coped with this and any ideas on how to combat it
Hi Ginger, my husband was diagnosed with ascites in March and prescribed spironolactone. He has decompensated liver disease. Within a couple of days he had severe cramps in his legs throughout the night. After 5 days he also started to get a bit confused also. He refused to take it on day 6 . When we returned to hospital on day 7 special hep nurse said she would be able to prescribed a different tablet. She checked his bloods & his kidney function had also dropped, she then said he was not suitable for any kind of water tablets. Maybe you could ask for a different water tablet.
This then resulted in 2 weekly ascites drains of between 7 & 10.5ltrs. Now he has had a rocket drain fitted & is drained at home every other day draining up to 1.5ltrs.
All the best A x
My husband drinks a little bit of Indian tonic water to help with cramps. His spirolactone was reduced recently to 50mg as kidney function had dropped. He also takes Fuorosemide as he was told he needs that to keep his potassium in check as Spiro can raise it.
Since having a liver transplant Sept 2022, I also started having severe leg cramps in places I hadn't ever experienced before: My shins (at one time both at the same time) ankles and weirdly I regularly get a cramp deep in the right hand side of my neck/throat. I have found indian tonic water, with some squash helps me, but I do worry it might be bad for my kidneys, which now appear to be failing. I asked my kidney specialist if the tonic water was bad for my kidneys, but he just said he didn't know. Frankly the cramps can be so unbearable I still take the tonic water every day. I am also on Quinine sulphate, but to be honest, I don't really think that helps. Before you try the tonic water, check it would be ok with your specialists... Good luck.
Hey Ginger, I've been on spironolactone since I had ascites 4 years ago. I didn't even realise cramps were a side effect! After I grew boob's and lost 'libido I spoke to my consultant and have dropped the dose to 50 mg and combined it with furosemide to get the desired results. I can 'get by' just taking the Sp. If I need to go out for the day, but with the full combination of Furo (I'm currently on 60mg) I really need to know there's a loo within shouting distance . Took a while to get the dosage right but it works for me. May not be ideal but. I've learned to live with it.WRT leg cramps, this is really outside any medical experience, but my wife bought some magnesium body butter from Neom. It seems to help calm nerve endings, so I don't know if it would help you. I have very severe psoriasis which keeps me awake, and the Neom is one of the things I use to help on a had night
Try pickle juice i know the sodium is high so don't drink too much but it will stop the cramps in about 15 minutes.
Hi, my Mum used to get cramp. Like you, she was on Spiranalctone and had cirrhosis. Like others have said, tonic water seemed to help. Also a banana before bed. If she got cramp she would walk up and down on a cold floor which seemed to help. But do check with your doctors.
Hi Ginger 1965,
We would encourage you to consult your health care team when considering medicating for cramps. While certain things may work for some people, please seek advice from your healthcare provider before trying them as they may not be suited to your condition.
Best wishes,
British Liver Trust
Hi Ginger, Two things which have helped me with night leg cramps: raising the he'd of the bed (you can also elevate your upper half with pillows) and using a large heating under my legs (knees down). This helps with circulation which is one of the culprits with leg cramps. Good luck, know it can be miserable!
Muscle cramps with cirrhosis
Cirrhosis & cramps
Sleepless night again 
Friday night blues
