Aldactone - spironolactone during pregnancy may not be safe

Aldactone (spironolactone) is in a category of drugs called potassium-sparing diuretics (water pill). Aldactone is used to reduce the amount of fluid in body without causing the loss of potassium. Aldactone is also used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), edema (swelling) and potassium deficiency and hyperaldosteronism (a hormonal disorder).

Aldactone usage in pregnancy

Before you begin using Aldactone, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health, because factors may affect how you should use Aldactone.

For pregnant women, Aldactone may not be safe. Aldactone is in a pregnancy category C. Pregnancy Category C is given to medicines that have not been studied in pregnant humans but do appear to cause harm to the fetus in animal studies. Also, medicines that have not been studied in any pregnant women or animals are automatically given a pregnancy Category C rating.

Generally, diuretics, including Aldactone should be used in pregnant women only when absolutely necessary. Aldactone should generally not be used to treat high blood pressure during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant while taking Aldactone, let your healthcare provider know. Your doctor will consider both the benefits and risks of Aldactone during pregnancy before making a recommendation for your particular situation.

The routine use of diuretics in an otherwise healthy and pregnant woman is inappropriate and exposes mother and fetus to unnecessary hazard. Diuretics do not prevent development of toxemia of pregnancy and there is no satisfactory evidence that they are useful in the treatment of developing toxemia. Edema during pregnancy may arise from pathologic causes or from the physiologic and mechanical consequences of pregnancy. Aldactone is indicated in pregnancy when edema is due to pathologic causes just as it is in the absence of pregnancy.

Nursing mothers and Aldactone

Canrenone, a major and active metabolite of Aldactone, appears in human breast milk. Because Aldactone has been found to be tumorigenic in animals, a decision should be made whether to discontinue Aldactone, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother. If use of Aldactone is deemed essential, an alternative method of infant feeding should be instituted.