As a 63 year old male, I find the side effects of constant breast/nipple pain and growing breast size a deterrent this drug's amazing ability to drop my difficult hypertension. Has anyone had any success in replacing spironolactone with a similar drug or natural treatment without the side effects?
Spironolactone - Alternative to spiornolactone for hypertension?
Question posted by SequimGuy on 13 June 2015
Last updated on 21 November 2017
3 Answers
gkenwill
14 June 2015
69 year old female with a long history of high blood pressure. Over the years I have been prescribed so many different meds but they only worked for a little while and blood pressure would go back up. Spiro was added a couple of years go and blood pressure has stayed down since. I have the same side effect you have... breast soreness/tenderness. I want to stop taking the medicine and I don't. I've heard it's been linked to breast cancer and I have a family history of breast cancer. I love having controlled blood pressure but don't like the risk of breast cancer. And believe me I've been on every class of blood pressure medicine but adding the Spiro is the only thing that has helped long term.
Mobycat26
21 Nov 2017
Have you had your aldosterone checked? You could have Conn's syndrome.
Nattjenta
14 June 2015
These are the side effects listed for this drug:
"Stop using spironolactone and call your doctor at once if you have:
signs of stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
high potassium--slow heart rate, weak pulse, muscle weakness or limp feeling, tingly feeling;
low sodium--confusion, slurred speech, hallucinations, severe weakness, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, seizure (convulsions), fainting, shallow breathing (breathing may stop); or
symptoms of any electrolyte imbalance--dry mouth, increased thirst, drowsiness, lack of energy, restless feeling, confusion, nausea, vomiting, increased urination, muscle cramps or weakness, fast heart rate, little or no urinating, or feeling like you might pass out.
Common spironolactone side effects may include:
mild nausea or vomiting, diarrhea;
breast swelling or tenderness;
dizziness, headache, mild drowsiness;
leg cramps; or
impotence, difficulty having an erection."
Have you asked your doctor to prescribe something else? There are so many out there to choose from. I'm sure he can come up with another one for you.
Good luck!
kaismama
14 June 2015
There are many drugs for blood pressure. Non like spironolactone.
Related topics
high blood pressure, spironolactone, hypertension, side effect
Further information
- Spironolactone uses and safety info
- Spironolactone prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Spironolactone (detailed)
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