The prescribed dosage for spironolactone oral tablet may depend on your treatment plan. Other factors, including your specific diagnosis and medical history, may affect your dosage of spironolactone.

Spironolactone comes as an oral tablet. It’s usually taken once per day.

Spironolactone is approved for use in adults to treat:

Spironolactone is a generic medication that belongs to a drug class called aldosterone antagonists. Spironolactone oral tablet is available in a brand-name version called Aldactone.

This article describes the dosages of spironolactone, its strengths, and how to take it.

Your doctor will likely start you on a low dosage and adjust it over time to reach the right amount. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended for spironolactone. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those mentioned here.

Spironolactone form

Spironolactone is available as an oral tablet.

Spironolactone strengths

Spironolactone comes in three strengths:

  • 25 milligrams (mg)
  • 50 mg
  • 100 mg

Spironolactone is approved to treat several conditions. The prescribed dosage may vary depending on the condition it’s used to treat. Always follow your prescribing doctor’s instructions. Notify them if you experience any side effects that may prevent you from taking your medication.

Dosage for treating high blood pressure

The typical spironolactone dosage for adults with high blood pressure is from 25 to 100 mg daily. This is given in either single or divided doses.

If your doctor starts your treatment at a lower dosage, they may increase it every 2 weeks up to a maximum dose of 100 mg daily. Doses over 100 mg aren’t known to reduce blood pressure further.

Dosage for treating fluid retention

For adults with fluid retention, the typical dosage of spironolactone depends on the condition causing the fluid retention.

For adults with cirrhosis, the starting dosage would likely be 100 mg daily in single or divided doses. Your doctor would start this dosage in the hospital and slowly increase it. However, depending on the severity of your condition, your dosage may range from 25 to 200 mg daily.

For adults with nephrotic syndrome, the starting dosage is 100 mg daily for at least 5 days. Then your doctor will increase the dose as needed for your condition.

Dosage for treating heart failure

For most adults with heart failure, the typical starting dosage of spironolactone is 25 mg once daily. If you can tolerate this dose, your doctor may increase your dosage to 50 mg once daily. This is the typical maximum dosage for heart failure.

If you develop high potassium levels on the 25-mg dosage, your doctor will recommend you take spironolactone once every other day.

Dosage for treating hyperaldosteronism

Spironolactone is also prescribed to treat primary hyperaldosteronism in certain situations.

If you’re taking spironolactone short term before surgery, the typical dosage is 100 to 400 mg daily.

If you’re taking spironolactone as a long-term treatment without surgery, your doctor will prescribe the lowest dosage for you. Talk with your doctor to learn more.

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Your doctor or pharmacist will advise how best to take spironolactone. Typically, recommendations for taking spironolactone include:

  • swallowing tablets whole
  • taking it with or without food consistently
  • taking your daily dosage based on your doctor’s recommendation, which may be in single doses, multiple doses throughout the day, or every other day
  • taking your doses around the same time each day

Be sure to take spironolactone based on your doctor’s instructions.

How long do you take spironolactone?

Spironolactone is usually a long-term treatment for most uses. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely use it long term.

Spironolactone may be prescribed short term for primary hyperaldosteronism before having surgery. Your doctor will determine your treatment plan, including how long you’ll take spironolactone.

Do not take more spironolactone than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms of spironolactone overdose

Symptoms caused by an overdose of spironolactone can include:

What to do in case you take too much spironolactone

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much spironolactone. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.

Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about spironolactone’s dosage.

Is a spironolactone dose of 200 mg too high?

Your doctor will determine the best dosage of spironolactone for you based on your medical history and the condition you’re taking the drug to treat. In some cases, such as if you have fluid retention or primary hyperaldosteronism, your doctor may prescribe a dose of 200 mg.

Be sure to always take the dosage your doctor prescribes. If you experience bothersome or worsening side effects from spironolactone, tell your doctor. They’ll discuss ways to manage these side effects or suggest a different medication for your condition.

What’s the spironolactone dosage for hair loss and acne?

Spironolactone is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat hair loss or acne. So there’s no recommended dosage for these conditions.

If your doctor prescribes spironolactone for these conditions, this would be considered off-label use. With off-label use, your doctor prescribes a drug for a purpose that hasn’t been approved by the FDA.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about medications for hair loss or acne.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.