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Compare Lasix vs. Spironolactone

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Furosemide (Lasix) and spironolactone (Aldactone) are both diuretics, or "water pills," used to treat conditions like swelling due to heart, liver, or kidney problems, and high blood pressure. However, they belong to different classes of diuretics. Furosemide is a loop diuretic, while spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic. Furosemide is available as a tablet or oral solution and is typically taken once or twice daily. Spironolactone comes in tablet form and as an oral suspension, with dosing varying based on the condition being treated. Both medications are available as a generic. Common side effects of furosemide include increased urination, dizziness, and sun sensitivity, while spironolactone can cause dizziness, breast tenderness, and changes in libido. Furosemide can lead to low potassium levels, whereas spironolactone can cause high potassium levels, so it's important to monitor your electrolytes with both medications.

  • Furosemide (Lasix)
    Spironolactone (Aldactone)
  • Furosemide (Lasix)
    Spironolactone (Aldactone)

  • Summary of Lasix vs. Spironolactone

    Summary for Diuretic (water pill)
    Prescription only

    Furosemide (Lasix) is a loop diuretic, a type of water pill. Furosemide (Lasix) is used to relieve swelling from extra fluids in children and adults. This medication can also lower blood pressure, though it's not a first-choice option for this condition. Furosemide (Lasix) comes as a tablet that's taken by mouth, typically once or twice daily. It's also available as an oral solution for people who've trouble swallowing tablets. Furosemide (Lasix) will cause you to urinate more often as a side effect, so it's best to not take this medication too close to bedtime.

    Summary for Potassium sparing diuretic
    Prescription only

    Spironolactone (Aldactone) is a type of potassium-sparing diuretic (water pill). It's used to treat heart failure, high blood pressure, and swelling from kidney or liver problems in adults. Because it blocks aldosterone (a hormone that affects sodium and potassium levels), spironolactone (Aldactone) can also treat conditions where there's too much aldosterone. Spironolactone (Aldactone) is taken by mouth, generally once or a few times a day, depending on your condition. Some common side effects of this medication include breast tenderness (males and females) and loss of libido (in males).

  • Indications of Lasix vs. Spironolactone

    Indications for
    •Swelling (edema) due to heart failure, liver problems, or kidney problems
    •High blood pressure
    Indications for
    •Heart failure
    •High blood pressure
    •Swelling due to liver damage (cirrhosis)
    •Swelling due to nephrotic syndrome (a rare kidney condition) - tablets only
    •Primary aldosteronism (a hormone imbalance) - tablets only

  • Pros and Cons of Lasix vs. Spironolactone

    Pros and Const for Diuretic (water pill)
    Pros
    •Starts working within an hour after you take it
    •Available in liquid form for children or people who have trouble swallowing pills
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    Cons
    •Not a good choice for people with a sulfa allergy
    •Might cause you to urinate in the middle of the night if you take it later in the day
    •Can make you more dizzy and raise your risk for falling down
    Pros and Const for Potassium sparing diuretic
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Oral suspension available for adults who've difficulty swallowing tablets
    •Lower-cost generics available
    Cons
    •Can make you urinate more often
    •Need to get blood tests regularly to check your electrolytes and kidney health
    •Can cause breast growth and lower sex drive in males

  • Common Side Effects of Lasix vs. Spironolactone

    Common Side Effects for
    •Urinating more often
    •Dizziness
    •Headache
    •Feeling off balance when you get up suddenly
    •Skin sensitive to the sun
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness
    •Headache
    •Sleepiness
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Diarrhea
    •Stomach cramps
    •Enlargement of male breasts
    •Breast pain
    •Lower sex drive
    •Sexual dysfunction
    •Irregular or lack of menstrual periods
    •Leg cramps
    •Higher potassium levels
    •Lower sodium levels

  • Warnings of Lasix vs. Spironolactone

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance
    •Caution in people with liver problems
    •Hearing problems
    •Problems with urination
    •Allergic reaction
    •Gout
    Common Side Effects for
    •High blood potassium levels
    •Low blood pressure and kidney problems
    •Abnormal electrolyte levels
    •Breast pain or swelling

  • Prices with our coupons for Lasix vs. Spironolactone

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