Spironolactone is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat:

  •  High blood pressure
    • Doctors often recommend spironolactone when a person’s blood pressure is still high even after taking several high blood pressure medicines
  • Severe heart failure
  • A hormone disorder that leads to high blood pressure called primary hyperaldosteronism
  • Swelling from fluid buildup (called edema), caused by kidney disorders, heart failure, or liver disease
  • Low blood potassium (hypokalemia)

Doctors may also prescribe spironolactone to treat acne or excessive hair growth on the face, chest, or back.