CONTRIBUTOR(S): Vetstream Ltd, Liz Bode,
Medication: Spironolactone
Medication: Spironolactone
Your cat has been prescribed the active ingredient spironolactone to treat congestive heart failure or to manage fluid accumulation within the abdomen.
Key points:
• Aldosterone antagonist.
• Do not use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating cats.
• Do not use in cats with hypoadrenocorticism, hyperkalemia or hyponatremia.
• Use with caution in cats with kidney or liver dysfunction.
• Dosage: once a day with food.
This information sheet is designed to help answer commonly asked questions and help you give the medication safely and effectively to your pet. It does not contain all available information for this medication. If you have other questions or need more information, contact your veterinarian or pharmacist.Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your veterinarian.
Name, Brand names, Class of medication and Storage
Name
- Spironolactone (spir-ono-lac-tone).
Brand name
- Cardalis® (Europe & UK, US).
- Prilactone® (Europe & UK, US).
- Tempora® (US).
- Aldactone® (US).
- CaroSpir® (US).
Class of drug
- Aldosterone antagonist.
Storage
- Do not store above 25°C/77°F.
- Store in a dry place.
Why has my cat been prescribed spironolactone?
Your veterinarian has prescribed spironolactone for the management of congestive heart failure (CHF). Aldosterone, a hormone that maintains sodium levels in the kidneys, is increased in cats with CHF and spironolactone acts by preventing its harmful effects. Spironolactone may also be used in cats with fluid accumulation in their abdomen (ascites) that is not the result of heart failure.
How is the medication given?
Spironolactone is given orally as flavored, chewable tablets once a day (with food). It is also available in tablets combined with benazepril. Any part-used tablets should be stored in its opened blister pack and used within 72 hours. Spironolactone may be given alongside other drugs used to treat CHF, eg furosemide and ACE inhibitors.
Are there any side-effects or drug interactions?
Side-effects are usually mild and can include vomiting and diarrhea. Hyponatremia (low sodium levels) and hyperkalemia (high potassium levels) can occur. This medication has also been associated with itching of the face. If you suspect this in your cat, discontinue the medication and contact your veterinarian.
When combined with NSAIDs, there is a risk of kidney dysfunction. Use with digoxin may lead to increased plasma digoxin concentration.
How long will my cat need to receive this medication?
Your cat will likely be on spironolactone for the rest of their life if responding well to treatment.
How should I dispose of this medication if I don’t use it all?
Dispose of any unused spironolactone safely – do not flush down the toilet or sink. Ask your veterinary team if they take back medication for disposal. Do not save for future use or give to other pets.
What if I miss a dose or give an extra dose?
If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible but do not double up a dose. Make sure the dose given doesn’t exceed the total recommended amount in any 24-hour period.
My cat is unwell, should I still give the drug?
If your pet is unwell, contact your veterinarian for advice.
Spironolactone should only be given to the cat that it has been prescribed for:
- Do not give to other pets in the household.
- Do not give to breeding, pregnant or lactating cats.
- Do not give to cats with hypoadrenocorticism, hyperkalemia or hyponatremia.
- Use with caution in cats with kidney or liver dysfunction.
- If accidentally given to other pets, contact your veterinarian for advice.
If accidentally eaten by a human, speak to your primary care physician or poison control center.
Will my cat need to be monitored while on spironolactone?
Your veterinarian will monitor that the medication is working and will check kidney and electrolyte levels prior to treatment and every 2 months.
Further information
If you have any concerns, further information on spironolactone can be found on the package insert and the following websites:
Europe & UK
- European Medicines Agency Cardalis® tablets for dogs (spironolactone with benzapril). www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/veterinary/EPAR/cardalis#product-information-section.
- Veterinary Medicines Directorate Prilactone Next®. www.vmd.defra.gov.uk/productinformationdatabase/files/SPC_Documents/SPC_393150.PDF
- NOAH Compendium Cardalis® chewable tablets for dogs: www.noahcompendium.co.uk/?id=-472940
- NOAH Compendium Prilactone Next® 10, 50 and 100 mg chewable tablets: www.noahcompendium.co.uk/?id=-466503
Always follow the recommended dosage and contact your veterinary team or pharmacist if you have any questions regarding your cat’s medication.