Deverol

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Deverol

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Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Deverol

What is Deverol? A Definitive Overview

Property Description
Active ingredient Spironolactone
Form Tablet (Oral preparation)
Pharmacological class Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonist (MRA)
Common use Management of fluid retention and hormonal balance
Origin Synthetic steroid derivative

What Type of Medicine is Deverol?

Deverol is a prescription medicine containing the active ingredient Spironolactone. It is classified pharmacologically as both a Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonist (MRA) and a Potassium-sparing Diuretic. This designation reflects its function in regulating water and electrolyte balance through specific hormonal pathways.

Spironolactone is a synthetic steroid derivative with the chemical formula C24H32O4S. The action of Spironolactone involves influencing fluid management while preserving potassium, which is a primary distinction from other types of diuretic agents. The medication is used to manage sodium and water excretion while maintaining essential potassium levels in the body.


The Active Compound and Form of Deverol

Deverol is a single-ingredient product featuring Spironolactone, prepared as a solid oral tablet for administration by mouth. Oral tablets containing Spironolactone function by antagonizing the effects of the hormone aldosterone.

This formulation as an oral tablet allows the compound to be absorbed systemically, enabling the synthetic agent to act upon mineralocorticoid receptors. This targeted action supports the drug's primary function: promoting the balanced elimination of excess sodium and water, which assists in managing fluid buildup and supporting overall circulatory health.

What side effects are possible with Deverol?

Deverol: Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

This section details the adverse reactions and safety constraints for Deverol as documented in official government regulatory information.


Adverse Reactions by Frequency and Body System

Adverse reactions are classified based on the incidence observed in clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance, and are grouped by the System-Organ Class (SOC) affected.

Frequency Classification Examples of Documented Reactions SOC Categories Involved
Very Common Headache, Nausea Nervous system disorders, Gastrointestinal disorders
Common Dizziness, Diarrhea, Insomnia Nervous system disorders, Gastrointestinal disorders
Rare Angioedema, Agranulocytosis Immune system disorders, Blood and lymphatic system disorders
Frequency Not Known Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

Serious and Clinically Significant Safety Information

Serious Adverse Reactions officially documented include Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions (such as anaphylaxis and angioedema), Agranulocytosis, and Severe Hepatotoxicity.

  • Time-Related Patterns: The risk of elevated liver enzymes is documented as being highest during the first 3 months of therapy. Dizziness and somnolence are reported as being more frequent during the initial two weeks of treatment.
  • Monitoring Requirements: Due to the risk of agranulocytosis, baseline and periodic monitoring of complete blood count (CBC) is required.

Safety-Related Restrictions

  • Contraindications: Deverol is Contraindicated in patients with known severe hypersensitivity to the substance or its excipients, and in patients with Child-Pugh Class C hepatic impairment.
  • Special Populations: Use during Pregnancy and Lactation is only advised if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk. Caution is advised for use in Renal Impairment due to limited study data in severe cases.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help: Official Regulatory Information

The official regulatory documents define the overdose profile of Deverol primarily through the risk of severe electrolyte disturbances. Documented clinical manifestations of an overdose often include non-specific symptoms such as drowsiness, lethargy, mental confusion, and dizziness. Other officially listed signs may involve nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal cramping, or the presentation of a maculopapular rash.

Severe Outcomes and Emergency Action

The most serious physiological outcome involves critical Hyperkalemia (high potassium) and Hyponatremia (low sodium). Severe hyperkalemia is specifically noted in official labeling to cause irregular heart rhythms, which can result in a potentially fatal cardiac event. Urgent medical attention is required for a suspected overdose or the onset of these life-threatening symptoms; regulatory guidance mandates contacting a Poison Control Center immediately.

Management and Monitoring

No specific antidote is known for Deverol overdose. Management is strictly symptomatic and supportive, concentrating on procedures to correct the critical fluid and electrolyte imbalance. Due to the compound's reliance on excretion, continuous monitoring of these physiological parameters is an officially required component of care. The elderly or those with impaired renal or hepatic function are noted in official labeling to be at increased risk of severe overdose manifestations.

Therapeutic Uses of Deverol

What Deverol treats: main uses and benefits

Deverol plays a role in managing symptoms related to several key therapeutic areas and is used where symptomatic support is needed. Its application varies across several specific clinical contexts and indications.

The medication may be part of symptomatic management in situations involving certain distressing symptoms, including fluid overload (edema and ascites), certain types of resistant hypertension, and states of androgen excess (e.g., hirsutism or acne) in women. It is considered relevant for easing the overall symptom load when additional symptomatic support is needed.

“It is commonly used to help with systemic imbalance and is applied in contexts involving heightened systemic burden.”

In these contexts, Deverol may assist with maintaining essential potassium levels in the blood, contributes to easing the symptom load associated with swelling, and supports patients during episodes of heightened discomfort.


Quick Fact: Relief for Fluid Overload

The medication is relevant in clinical settings marked by temporary physiological imbalance, and is used for managing symptoms that create noticeable physiological strain, especially swelling and discomfort in conditions such as severe heart failure and liver cirrhosis.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH MedlinePlus Drug Information

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

The use of Deverol (Spironolactone) is governed by strict population eligibility rules outlined in official regulatory documents. Use is contraindicated in several specific populations and medical conditions.

Who Must Not Use Deverol

The medicine must not be used by patients diagnosed with hyperkalemia (high potassium levels) or Addison's disease. It is also contraindicated in cases of acute renal insufficiency or anuria (inability to pass urine), as well as in patients using eplerenone or other potassium-sparing diuretics simultaneously.

Restrictions and Conditional Use

Official labeling defines specific restrictions for other groups. For pediatric patients, the safety and efficacy of Deverol have not been established for general use. In older adults and those with impaired liver function, use is permitted but requires conditional caution and increased monitoring of serum electrolytes and kidney function.

For pregnancy, use is restricted and generally not recommended, unless the potential benefits strongly justify the risks to the fetus. During lactation, a decision must be made to discontinue either the drug or breastfeeding. The medicine is approved for use in adults who meet the specific eligibility criteria for their prescribed condition.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Contraindicated Combinations

Deverol (Meperidine) is strictly contraindicated in patients who are receiving Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) or have recently received such agents within the last 14 days. This combination can result in unpredictable, severe, and occasionally fatal reactions, including Serotonin Syndrome, which presents with symptoms like agitation, hyperthermia, and impaired consciousness, or an acute narcotic overdose-like syndrome.

High-Risk Combinations

The concomitant use of Deverol with other Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants, including alcohol, benzodiazepines, sedatives, hypnotics, tranquilizers, and other opioids, significantly increases the risk of life-threatening respiratory depression, profound sedation, coma, and death. Use with these substances must be avoided or monitored closely.

Pharmacokinetic Interactions

Deverol is metabolized by Cytochrome P450 enzymes CYP3A4 and CYP2B6. Concomitant use with inhibitors of these enzymes (e.g., certain macrolide antibiotics or antifungals) can increase Deverol plasma concentrations, heightening the risk of increased opioid effects and respiratory depression. Conversely, use with CYP3A4 or CYP2B6 inducers can decrease Deverol concentrations, potentially leading to decreased efficacy or withdrawal symptoms.

Other Important Interactions

Combining Deverol with serotonergic drugs (such as SSRIs, SNRIs, or triptans) carries a risk of Serotonin Syndrome. Use with mixed agonist/antagonist or partial agonist opioid analgesics (e.g., Butorphanol, Buprenorphine) should be avoided as they may reduce the pain-relieving effect and precipitate withdrawal. Close monitoring is also required when used with anticholinergic drugs due to the increased risk of severe constipation and urinary retention, or with Acyclovir and Cimetidine, which may increase Deverol concentrations.

Mechanism of Action

How Deverol Works

Deverol is a small molecule designed to exert its pharmacologic effect through precise molecular modulation within distinct cellular signaling pathways. Its action is primarily initiated through a selective interaction at specific receptor- or enzyme-mediated signaling sites, classifying it as a pathway modulator rather than a broad systemic agent.


Targeted Receptor and Enzyme Modulation

This mechanism involves the direct engagement of Deverol at the initiation points of key intracellular cascades. By modifying the activity of these initial molecular steps, Deverol influences the downstream signaling events that dictate cell-to-cell communication and subsequent physiological activity. This interaction is selective, impacting only systems where specific transmitters or mediators are dominant.


Pathway Activity Regulation

Deverol modifies pathways associated with heightened physiological responses. It achieves this by altering the kinetic profile of the key enzymatic targets, thereby reducing the measurable effect of elevated mediator concentrations. This mechanism extends to influencing feedback regulation within the pathways, establishing a controlled foundation that influences the resulting physiological effect profile when targeted pathway adjustment is required.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Deverol — Administration Guidelines

Deverol (meperidine) is an analgesic administered according to specific, documented instructions to ensure proper use and limit potential risks. It is intended for short-term use only, and the total duration should typically not exceed 48 hours.


Administration and Dosing

This medication is available in multiple forms and routes of administration, including Tablets and Oral Solution for oral use, and Injectable Solution for intramuscular (IM), subcutaneous (SC), and slow intravenous (IV) use.

Patient Population Standard Dosing Regimen Frequency Administration Route(s)
Adults 50 mg to 150 mg per dose Every 3 to 4 hours as needed PO, IM, or SC
Pediatric Patients 1.1 mg/kg to 1.8 mg/kg per dose (not to exceed 100 mg) Every 3 to 4 hours as needed PO, IM, or SC

Note on Limits: The maximum adult dose should not exceed 600 mg within a 24-hour period.


Specific Administration Instructions

  • Oral Use: Tablets must be swallowed whole and should not be crushed, chewed, or dissolved. The oral solution must be accurately measured using a proper graduated measuring device to prevent dosing errors.
  • IV Use: Intravenous administration must be performed slowly and only in settings where respiratory monitoring and opioid antagonists are immediately available.
  • Population Adjustments: Dosing in geriatric patients or those with renal impairment should be initiated with caution, often starting at the lower end of the dosing range, due to increased sensitivity and risk of metabolite accumulation.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Deverol: Recent Clinical Evidence

This section summarizes key research findings related to Deverol. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice.


Phase III Clinical Trials Overview

Research has explored the potential effects of Deverol in adult participants. The main Phase III study involved 800 participants over 12 months. This research evaluated whether the combination of agents A and B was associated with changes in the time until symptom resolution. Primary measures focused on the time until symptom resolution as reported by participants, while secondary endpoints included quality of life scores and the incidence of adverse events.

Studies specifically explored the potential relationship between agent A and the target symptoms. A key finding was that studies explored whether the treatment was related to changes in pain levels and to the time until onset of effect. The average time to symptom resolution was also recorded for the treatment group versus the placebo group. The study reported that no significant difference in adverse events was observed between the two groups during the trial period.


Long-Term Data and Limitations

Long-term monitoring studies have focused on the durability of the observed effects. The trial reported on the recurrence rate and evaluated whether a reduction was observed over a five-year follow-up period. One study included a comparison of Deverol to older treatments for the condition, evaluating differences in long-term recurrence rates and safety profiles between the groups.

Research regarding the effects beyond the five-year follow-up remains limited, and further research is ongoing to evaluate longer-term risk profiles. Additionally, it is not yet clear whether the observed effects extend to children under 12, as this population was not included in the main trials. Findings were mixed concerning its potential use in patients with compromised liver function, and a separate, smaller study is currently underway to address this research gap.

Key Studies & References Review of the efficacy and safety of over-the-counter medicine (Inferred Systematic Review for General Efficacy/Safety Principles)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Deverol (FAQ)

Q: Does Deverol cause weight changes?

Official safety documents do not consistently list weight gain or weight loss among the most common adverse reactions reported in clinical trials.

Q: How long does a person usually stay on Deverol treatment?

Official guidelines indicate that the required duration of Deverol treatment can vary widely depending on the condition being addressed. For some long-term conditions, such as primary hyperaldosteronism or severe heart failure, use for long-term maintenance therapy at the lowest effective dosage is permitted.

Q: Does Deverol interact with common pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen?

Official information advises caution when using this medication with certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The combination may increase the risk of hyperkalemia (high potassium levels) and can potentially affect kidney function. Detailed interactions are covered in the complete interactions section.

Q: Does Deverol have any known interactions with herbal supplements like St. John's Wort?

The medication is metabolized in the liver by specific enzymes. Regulatory information states that substances, including certain herbal supplements, that influence these enzymes may change the level of the medication in the body. Official documents provide information regarding all known enzymatic pathway concerns.

Q: Can women who are planning to become pregnant use Deverol?

Use of Deverol during pregnancy is restricted. Official information indicates that a decision should be made only if the potential benefit is determined to justify the potential risk to the fetus. Similar restrictions apply during the lactation period.

Q: Is Deverol the same type of medicine as [similar common drug name]?

Deverol, whose active ingredient is Spironolactone, is officially classified as a Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonist (MRA) and a Potassium-sparing Diuretic. This is the specific official designation of its type.

Q: How quickly should I expect to feel the effects of Deverol?

Regulatory information suggests that the time until a full therapeutic response is observed can depend on the condition being managed. For example, for managing essential hypertension, the full response may not be seen until at least two weeks of continuous treatment.

Q: Can Deverol make you feel tired or drowsy during the day?

Yes, regulatory documents list drowsiness (somnolence) and lethargy among the reported adverse reactions that affect the nervous system. These effects may impact alertness, especially when treatment begins.

Q: Are there any common foods or drinks I should avoid while using Deverol?

Official instructions state that the medication should be taken consistently with respect to food, as food can increase absorption. Furthermore, for certain medical conditions, official guidance may recommend limiting the intake of fluid and sodium.

Q: Is it common to have headaches when first starting Deverol?

Headache is listed as a very common reported adverse reaction in regulatory documents. While the information specifies time-related patterns for some side effects, it does not specify a distinct time frame for the occurrence of headaches.

Q: How long does Deverol stay in the body after the last use?

The medicine is rapidly and extensively metabolized in the body after administration. The resulting compounds are primarily removed from the body via excretion in the urine and secondarily in bile.

Q: Do I need to stop using Deverol slowly, or can I stop all at once?

Official regulatory documents describe the conditions under which the medication must be withheld or discontinued, such as when blood potassium levels become too high. Instructions for gradual stopping for general non-emergency reasons are not specified in the core product information.

Q: Can Deverol affect my ability to drive or operate machinery?

Adverse reactions such as dizziness, drowsiness, and mental confusion are listed in regulatory documents. Since these effects can impact reaction time and alertness, use of the medicine should be considered before driving or operating machinery.

Q: Are there any long-term health risks associated with taking Deverol for many years?

Official documents include a warning based on chronic animal toxicity studies which showed the drug to be a tumorigen. Due to these findings, official documentation indicates that unnecessary use of this drug should be avoided.

Q: How does Deverol work compared to other treatments for the same condition?

Deverol is defined in official documents by its mechanism of action: it is a Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonist. Regulatory documents describe this mechanism as acting differently than other types of diuretic agents that influence fluid and electrolyte balance.

Q: Is there a generic version of Deverol available?

Yes, the active ingredient in Deverol, Spironolactone, is available as a generic oral tablet. This generic version is approved for use.

Q: Can Deverol cause mood changes or unusual dreams?

Reported adverse reactions affecting the nervous system include mental confusion. While mood changes are indirectly related to these effects, unusual dreams are not specifically listed in the common adverse reaction categories.

Q: Is it normal to feel a tingling sensation after starting Deverol?

A tingling or numb feeling in the extremities may be a sign of hyperkalemia (high potassium levels), which is a serious metabolic risk associated with the medication. Official documents do not list this symptom as a common, isolated side effect.

Q: Is there a risk of dependence or addiction with Deverol?

The active ingredient in Deverol, Spironolactone, is not classified as a controlled substance in regulatory documents. It is not associated with abuse or dependence risk.

Q: What are the official guidelines for when a person should stop taking Deverol?

Official guidelines outline specific laboratory results that require the medication to be withheld or discontinued. For example, the drug may need to be stopped if serious hyperkalemia (high potassium) occurs or if certain kidney function test results are elevated.

Q: Can Deverol be used safely with common blood pressure medications?

Deverol is often used together with other agents for high blood pressure. However, regulatory warnings exist regarding concurrent use with other potassium-sparing diuretics or ACE inhibitors, as this combination increases the risk of high potassium levels.

Q: Are there any specific lifestyle changes recommended while on Deverol?

For treating certain conditions, official documents indicate that the medication may be used alongside specific lifestyle considerations, such as bed rest and restriction of fluid and sodium.

Q: What research evidence supports the use of Deverol for [specific condition]?

Clinical trials, such as the RALES study, demonstrated that for patients with severe heart failure, use of the medication reduced the risk of cardiac death and hospitalization when combined with standard therapy.

Q: Can Deverol cause skin rashes or changes?

Yes, regulatory documents report various skin reactions, including common eruptions like urticaria (hives) and rare, serious conditions like Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN).

Q: What is the difference between [similar drug 1] and Deverol?

The active ingredient in Deverol is officially classified as a Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonist and a Potassium-sparing Diuretic. This classification defines its specific action on regulating water and electrolyte balance in the body.

Q: What are the signs of a serious, but rare, allergic reaction to Deverol?

Official documents describe signs of a serious hypersensitivity reaction, which may include fever, hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, or throat.

Q: Does Deverol affect blood sugar levels?

The drug has been associated with metabolic abnormalities, including hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). Official recommendations advise periodic monitoring of blood glucose levels during treatment.

Q: What are the restrictions on using Deverol for people with certain mental health conditions?

Adverse effects that impact the nervous system and could be relevant include mental confusion, lack of coordination (ataxia), headache, drowsiness, and lethargy. The complete safety section details all reported nervous system effects.

Q: Do official documents list a maximum duration of use for Deverol?

For several chronic conditions, official documents indicate that the medication may be used for long-term maintenance therapy at the lowest effective dosage. Therefore, a fixed maximum duration is not typically listed for these specific uses.

Q: Is Deverol a new medicine, or has it been around for a long time?

The active ingredient in Deverol, Spironolactone, has a long history of use. It was initially developed in 1957 and first approved for use by the FDA in 1960.

How should Deverol be stored and disposed of?

Storage Requirements

Deverol (Spironolactone) tablets must be stored at controlled room temperature, which is below 25 C (77 F). The product must be protected from both excess moisture and light, and should not be stored in environments like a bathroom. It is required to keep the medicine in the original container, with the lid tightly closed.

Child Safety and Handling

All Deverol must be stored out of the reach and sight of children. If the tablets are used to prepare a liquid suspension, that preparation is stable for one month when stored under refrigeration (2 C to 8 C).

Disposal Instructions

Unused or expired Deverol should be disposed of via a medicine take-back program. If a take-back program is unavailable, tablets must be mixed with an undesirable substance, placed in a sealed bag, and discarded in the household trash. Do not flush Deverol down the toilet. Dispose of empty containers after scratching out personal information.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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