CaroSpir Side Effects
Generic name: spironolactone
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 11, 2023.
Note: This document contains side effect information about spironolactone. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name CaroSpir.
Applies to spironolactone: oral suspension, oral tablet.
Serious side effects of CaroSpir
Along with its needed effects, spironolactone (the active ingredient contained in CaroSpir) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking spironolactone:
Incidence not known
- Bleeding gums
- bloody or black, tarry stools
- bloody urine
- blurred vision
- breast pain
- chest pain
- clay-colored stools
- clear or bloody discharge from the nipple
- cloudy urine
- confusion
- constipation
- cough
- dark urine
- decrease in urine output or decrease in urine-concentrating ability
- diarrhea
- difficulty with swallowing
- dimpling of the breast skin
- dizziness
- dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
- drowsiness
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- fever with or without chills
- general feeling of tiredness or weakness
- headache
- heartburn
- hives, itching, or skin rash
- hoarseness
- increased thirst
- indigestion
- inverted nipple
- loss of appetite
- loss of consciousness
- lower back or side pain
- lump in the breast or under the arm
- muscle pain or cramps
- muscle spasms or twitching
- nausea
- painful or difficult urination
- persistent crusting or scaling of the nipple
- pinpoint red spots on the skin
- puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
- redness or swelling of the breast
- seizures
- severe stomach pain
- shakiness and unsteady walk
- sore on the skin of the breast that does not heal
- sore throat
- sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
- stomach cramping, burning, or tenderness
- swelling of the face, fingers, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin
- tightness in the chest
- trembling
- troubled breathing
- unpleasant breath odor
- unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- vomiting
- vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
- weight gain
- yellow eyes or skin
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking spironolactone:
Symptoms of overdose
- Irregular heartbeat
- nervousness
- numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
- rash with flat lesions or small raised lesions on the skin
- reddened skin
- weakness or heaviness of the legs
Other side effects of CaroSpir
Some side effects of spironolactone may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Incidence not known
- Burning feeling in the chest or stomach
- decreased interest in sexual intercourse
- hair loss or thinning of the hair
- inability to have or keep an erection
- leg cramps
- loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
- pain in the nipples
- sores, welts, or blisters
- stomach upset
- swelling of the breasts or breast soreness in both females and males
- unusual dullness or feeling of sluggishness
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to spironolactone: compounding powder, oral suspension, oral tablet.
General
The most common adverse effect was gynecomastia.[Ref]
Endocrine
Very common (10% or more): Gynecomastia (13%)
Frequency not reported: Breast disorders in women, slight androgenic effects, breast tenderness in women, voice deepening in women, breast pain[Ref]
Metabolic
Common (1% to 10%): Hyperkalemia, hyponatremia
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Acidosis in patients with liver problems
Rare (less than 0.1%): Dehydration, porphyria, hyperuricemia
Frequency not reported: Reversible hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis in patients with decompensated hepatic cirrhosis, electrolyte disturbances[Ref]
Genitourinary
Common (1% to 10%): Changes in vaginal secretions, amenorrhea, postmenopausal bleeding
Frequency not reported: Reproductive system disorders, erectile dysfunction, impotence, menstrual disorders[Ref]
Nervous system
Common (1% to 10%): Lethargy in patients with cirrhosis, paresthesia
Rare (less than 0.1%): Paralysis, paraplegia of the limbs due to hyperkalemia
Frequency not reported: Headache, drowsiness, dizziness, ataxia[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Common (1% to 10%): Nausea, vomiting
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Gastric inflammation, gastric ulcers, intestinal hemorrhage, cramps
Frequency not reported: Digestive system disorders, diarrhea, indigestion, gastric bleeding[Ref]
Psychiatric
Common (1% to 10%): Libido reduced in women
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Confusion
Frequency not reported: Libido reduced in men[Ref]
Oncologic
Common (1% to 10%): Malaise
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Breast cancer[Ref]
Other
Common (1% to 10%): Weakness
Frequency not reported: Fatigue, fever[Ref]
Dermatologic
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Rash, urticaria, erythema, chloasma, pruritus, exanthema
Rare (less than 0.1%): Eczema
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Alopecia, erythema annulare centrifugum, hypertrichosis
Frequency not reported: Hirsutism, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), maculopapular or erythematous cutaneous eruptions[Ref]
Musculoskeletal
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Muscle spasms, leg cramps
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Systemic lupus erythematosus, osteomalacia[Ref]
Renal
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Serum creatinine elevated
Rare (less than 0.1%): BUN increased
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Acute renal failure
Frequency not reported: Renal dysfunction[Ref]
Hematologic
Rare (less than 0.1%): Thrombocytopenia, eosinophilia, leukopenia
Frequency not reported: Agranulocytosis[Ref]
Immunologic
Rare (less than 0.1%): Hypersensitivity
Frequency not reported: Anaphylactic reactions[Ref]
Cardiovascular
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Vasculitis
Frequency not reported: Mild hypotension[Ref]
Hepatic
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Hepatitis
Frequency not reported: Mixed cholestatic/hepatocellular toxicity[Ref]
Frequently asked questions
- What is the strength of CaroSpir (spironolactone) oral suspension?
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More about CaroSpir (spironolactone)
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- Drug class: aldosterone receptor antagonists
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References
1. (2001) "Product Information. Aldactone (spironolactone)." Searle
2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.