What does spironolactone do to babies?

Understanding Spironolactone and Its Effects on Babies
Spironolactone is a medication primarily classified as a potassium-sparing diuretic, commonly used to treat conditions such as high blood pressure, heart failure, and edema related to various diseases. While its use in adults is well-documented, the implications of spironolactone on infants and babies require careful consideration.
Use in Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women
One of the critical areas of concern regarding spironolactone is its use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The medication is known to cross the placenta, which raises questions about its safety for developing fetuses. Although specific studies on the effects of spironolactone on babies in utero are limited, it is generally advised that pregnant women avoid this medication unless absolutely necessary, as it may pose risks to the fetus.
For breastfeeding mothers, the situation appears somewhat more reassuring. Limited data suggest that spironolactone is poorly excreted into breast milk, and cases involving mothers on spironolactone therapy have reported no adverse effects in their infants. This indicates that while the medication does enter breast milk, the levels are likely low enough to be considered safe for nursing babies.
Potential Side Effects in Infants
While direct studies on the effects of spironolactone on infants are scarce, the medication can lead to several side effects in adults that may also be relevant for babies. These include electrolyte imbalances, particularly hyperkalemia (high potassium levels), which can be dangerous for infants. Babies are particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in electrolyte levels, and any medication that affects these levels should be approached with caution.
Moreover, the use of spironolactone in children is generally limited to specific medical conditions, and pediatric dosing must be carefully managed. The potential for side effects such as dehydration or kidney issues necessitates close monitoring by healthcare providers.
Conclusion
In summary, while spironolactone is an effective treatment for various conditions in adults, its use in babies and infants is fraught with caution. Pregnant women are advised to avoid it unless necessary, and breastfeeding mothers should consult healthcare providers to ensure safety. The potential side effects, particularly concerning electrolyte balance, highlight the need for careful consideration and monitoring when it comes to administering this medication to infants. As always, any concerns regarding medication use in babies should be discussed with a pediatrician or healthcare professional.

What happens if a child takes spironolactone?

It works by making the kidneys produce more urine (wee), so your child may have to go to the toilet more often. It also prevents potassium being lost in the urine. It is commonly prescribed for children with heart or kidney problems causing excess fluid in the body. Spironolactone is ‘unlicensed’ for use in children.

What are the cons of taking spironolactone?

Common side effects

• Feeling dizzy. If spironolactone makes you feel dizzy when you stand up, try getting up very slowly or stay sitting down until you feel better.
• Feeling or being sick.
• Muscle or leg cramps.
• Feeling tired or low in energy.
• Breast pain and breast enlargement, including in men.

What is the youngest age for spironolactone?

Most adults, including older people, can take spironolactone. Children can take if from birth if it’s prescribed by a specialist children’s doctor (paediatrician).

What is the survival rate for spironolactone?

Effect of Spironolactone According to LVEF
In patients with LVEF < 26.1%, the spironolactone group had significantly lower 3-year (33.8 vs. 44.3%, P < 0.001) mortality than the no spironolactone group, but there was no difference in mortality between the two groups in patients with LVEF > 26% (Figure 3).

Can spironolactone cause permanent infertility?

Spironolactone can affect your menstrual cycle and may cause temporary infertility in women. Your periods and fertility should go back to normal around 2 months after you stop taking it. Talk to your doctor if you’re trying to get pregnant. There’s no good evidence that spironolactone affects fertility in men.

Are you infertile on spironolactone?

Spironolactone can affect your menstrual cycle and may cause temporary infertility in women. Your periods and fertility should go back to normal around 2 months after you stop taking it. Talk to your doctor if you’re trying to get pregnant. There’s no good evidence that spironolactone affects fertility in men.

What is the danger of spironolactone?

Serious side effects
you get a slow or irregular heartbeat, tingling feeling, muscle weakness or shortness of breath – these can be signs of potassium levels being too high. you’re peeing less that usual or have dark, strong smelling pee, feel thirsty or feel dizzy or light-headed – these can be signs of dehydration.

What does spironolactone do for transitioning?

It blocks male sex hormone receptors — also called androgen receptors. This slows or stops changes in the body that usually happen due to testosterone. About 4 to 8 weeks after you start taking spironolactone, you begin taking estrogen. This lowers the amount of testosterone the body makes.

How does spironolactone affect birth control?

Spironolactone does not affect any type of contraception, including the combined pill and emergency contraception. Some hormonal contraceptives can reduce hormonal side effects of spironolactone, including breast pain and irregular periods.

What does spironolactone do to a baby?

Animal studies have shown that high doses of spironolactone can cause feminization of male fetuses, including the development of female genitalia. While human studies are lacking, there have been a few case reports of feminization effects in male infants born to mothers who took spironolactone during pregnancy.