These comments are made for the purpose of discussion and should NOT be used as recommendations for or against therapies or other treatments. An individual patient is always advised to consult their own physician.
Spinonolactone & Tumors
Question: Is there any association between the use of the drug spinonolactone and tumors of the endocrine glands?
Answer: Spironolactone has an A ring similar to estrogen. Consequently, patients who take it can experience estrogen like side effects. These include breast enlargement, vaginal cytology changes etc. I am not aware of any incidence of adenomas on this drug.
Side Effects
Question: My mother is taking “spironolactone.” She is 41 years old. What are the side effects of this drug? What is its compound?
Answer: Spironolactone is usually used as a potassium sparing diuretic. Due, to similarity in structure with one of the steroid rings of estrogen it tends to have estrogen like side effects. These include breast enlargement or tenderness, decrease in acne, and possible improvement in osteoporosis. Side effects are usually the above and the drug is occasionally given for these side effects; that is, decreasing acne or hair production in women.
