An Overview of Aldactone and Pregnancy
For people who are pregnant,
Aldactone® (
spironolactone) may not be safe. This is based on animal studies that looked at the effects of Aldactone during pregnancy.
Aldactone and Pregnancy Category C
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uses a pregnancy category system to classify the possible risks to a fetus when a specific medicine is taken during pregnancy. Pregnancy Category C is given to medicines that have not been studied in pregnant humans but do appear to cause harm to the fetus in animal studies. Also, medicines that have not been studied in any pregnant women or animals are automatically given a pregnancy Category C rating.
When given to pregnant rabbits, Aldactone caused increased miscarriages. When given to pregnant rats, Aldactone caused problems in reproductive systems of the fetal rats (especially males). Aldactone can decrease or block male hormones, which are necessary for the development of male fetuses.
However, it is important to note that animals do not always respond to medicines the same way that humans do. Therefore, a pregnancy Category C medicine may be given to a pregnant woman if a healthcare provider believes that the benefits to the pregnant woman outweigh any possible risks to the unborn child.
Generally, diuretics (including Aldactone) should be used in pregnant women only when absolutely necessary. Aldactone should generally not be used to treat
high blood pressure during pregnancy.
