Doses - SPIRONOLACTONE

Dogs:

As a diuretic in CHF:
a) 2 - 4 mg/kg/day PO (Kittleson 1985)
For treating ascites:
a) 1 - 2 mg/kg PO bid; if no response in 4-5 days, double dose for an additional 4-5 days;if no response, may double again (4 - 8 mg/kg bid). Monitor (weigh) patients daily anddo not allow patient to become dehydrated or to lose more than 0.25 - 0.5 kg/day.(Hardy 1985)

Cats:

As a diuretic in CHF:
a) 2 - 4 mg/kg/day PO (Kittleson 1985)
b) 1 mg/kg q12h PO when serum potassium is low (Bonagura 1989)
Monitoring Parameters -

1) Serum electrolytes, BUN, creatinine

2) Hydration status

3) Blood pressure, if indicated

4) Symptoms of edema/ascites; patient weight, if indicated
Client Information - Notify veterinarian if GI symptoms (e.g., vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia), lethargy or other CNS effects are severe or persist.
Dosage Forms/Preparations/FDA Approval Status/Withholding Times - Veterinary-Approved Products: None

Human-Approved Products:

Spironolactone Tablets 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg; Aldactone® (Searle), Generic; (Rx)
Also available in combination with hydrochlorothiazide.