How long does it take for diuretics to begin working? i started taking 50 mg aldactone (spironolactone) daily yesterday. ascites after hysterectomy.

Ascities Diuretic: Most diuretics will start working in a short time depending on abdominal absorption. Diuretics for ascities will take longer to work as the excess fluids in your abdomen need to be absorbed into the vascular system before the diuretics can help eliminate the fluid. The abdominal fluid is absorbed into the vascular system when the diuretic decreases fluid in the vessels and creates a need.

Varies: Onset of action for most diuretics is within a couple of hours with increase in urine output for a few hours. However, clinical response with resolution of ascites or edema would be highly variable from patient to patient.

Aldactone (spironolactone) dose: Your lack of decreased ascites may be caused by your being on too low a dose of Aldactone (spironolactone) (a).The initial starting dose of a is 100 mg/day or q12hr for 5 days . The dose varies from25-200 mg/day PO or q12hr. The effect of a will depend on how much fluid and sodium you ingest/day. If you are not losing weight on a, discuss this with your physician and see if more of it is needed. Good luck.