Oral furosemide and spironolactone are taken by heart failure patients, either in combination or using one or the other, or as prescribed by the doctor if he or she requires both to be taken daily.
Furosemide is a potassium-excreting diuretic that is mainly used in the treatment of conditions such as congestive heart failure, kidney disease, cirrhosis of the liver, hypertension, hyperkalemia and hypercalcemia. Spironolactone is a potassium-preserving diuretic mainly used for diseases such as edematous disorders, hypertension, and primary aldosteronism.
The two are used in combination to prevent hypokalemia, but they can also be taken singly, or if your doctor requires both to be taken daily, the doctor’s orders should prevail.
Adverse reactions such as postural hypotension, shock, hypokalemia, thirst, weakness, muscle aches, and cardiac arrhythmias may occur with furosemide. The drug is contraindicated in the first trimester of pregnancy and should be used with caution in lactating women and children.
Gastrointestinal reactions, hyponatremia, gynecomastia, hypogonadism, gynecomastia, voice coarsening, menstrual disorders and other adverse reactions may occur with the use of spironolactone.
The drug should be applied rationally and in accordance with medical advice.