Coffee is a daily ritual for many of us, offering the energy boost we crave. But mix it with certain medications, and the results can be alarming.
If you’re here, you might already be familiar with Spironolactone – a prescription medication prescribed for high blood pressure, edema, heart failure, and hyperaldosteronism (an excess release of the aldosterone hormone).
So, is it safe to combine your morning cup with Spironolactone? A resounding NO. It is not safe to drink Coffee while taking Spironolactone.
In this article, I’ll dive into why this mix is a bad idea, backed by science. Additionally, I’ll address pressing questions you might have after absorbing this crucial information. Let’s get started.
Why Shouldn’t You Drink Coffee While Taking Spironolactone
The reason you should refrain from consuming Coffee while taking Spironolactone is due to the fact that the caffeine present in coffee can exaggerate several side effects when mixed with Spironolactone (source).
Some side effects include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Cramps
- Drowsiness
- Tiredness
The severity of the side effects depends on the person but can be life-threatening in some cases.
Plus, there are several major health risk side effects when caffeine is mixed with Spironolactone.
Side effects such as heart palpitations (irregular heartbeat), muscle weakness, abdominal pain, breathing difficulties, dehydration, and vomiting blood.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Concern | Caffeine can exaggerate side effects when mixed with Spironolactone. |
| Common Side-Effects | Vomiting, Diarrhea, Cramps, Drowsiness, Tiredness |
| Severe Side-Effects | Heart palpitations, Muscle weakness, Abdominal pain, Breathing difficulties, Dehydration, Vomiting blood |
| How Spironolactone Works | Blocks aldosterone, regulates salt/water and expels excess water & sodium through urine. |
| Caffeine’s Effect on Blood Pressure | Caffeine alters blood pressure levels, hindering Spironolactone’s efficacy. |
| Key Takeaway | Avoid coffee due to the risk of high potassium levels leading to severe side effects. |
| Alternative Drink Recommendation | Any caffeine-free tea (see the list below) |
How Does Spironolactone Interact With Caffeine
Spironolactone works by blocking the actions of a hormone called aldosterone, which regulates salt and water balance in the body.
This, in turn, causes the kidneys to get rid of the excess water and sodium from the body through urine.
However, it can also reduce a lot of potassium in the body as a side effect, which can drastically change your blood pressure levels.
Caffeine is also known to radically change blood pressure levels, so the effectiveness of Spironolactone is heavily hindered when trying to control the changing levels in blood pressure.
Bottom Line
The Caffeine in Coffee when mixed with Spironolactone can cause high blood potassium levels which will lead to side effects like drowsiness, vomiting, and more.
For that reason, I wouldn’t recommend drinking coffee while taking Spironolactone. Drink some milk instead – it’s healthier too.
FAQs
How Long After Coffee Should I Take Spironolactone?
Caffeine’s lifespan in the human body spans from its half-life of 6 hours to its full-life of 10-12 hours. So in order to avoid any major health risks, you must wait around 12 hours before taking Spironolactone to make sure that all the caffeine in your system has been removed.
Can I Drink Decaf Coffee While Taking Spironolactone?
Decaf Coffee, though having less caffeine than normal coffee still contains around 3% or 2 mg of caffeine, meaning it’s best to avoid any form of coffee when taking Spironolactone, be it decaf, hot or cold.
Does Coffee Affect the Effectiveness Of Spironolactone?
Caffeine is known to reduce the effectiveness of many prescription drugs so it’s no surprise that it also reduces the effectiveness of Spironolactone.
Can I Drink Tea While Taking Spironolactone?
Tea also contains caffeine, not as much as coffee but it still contains enough for it to be able to cause issues when interacting with Spironolactone.
But there are several Caffeine-free Herbal Teas that are safe such as:
- Chamomile Tea
- Sobacha Buckwheat Tea
- Pure Peppermint Tea
- Hibiscus Tea
- Ginger Tea
- Rooibos Tea
- Kuromame Black Soybean Tea
These are naturally caffeine-free, meaning they are safe to be consumed if you are taking Spironolactone.
Are There Any Other Drinks You Should Avoid?
You should also avoid consuming Energy Drinks (Caffeine) and Alcohol. Spironolactone can also help treat conditions such as liver disease, meaning alcohol should be avoided.
If you do not have liver disease and are taking Spironolactone for other conditions, alcohol is safe to be consumed, but is it still best if you don’t consume any just in case.
