Aldactone

The active ingredient in Aldactone is spironolactone, a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called potassium-sparing diuretics.

Aldactone works by blocking the actions of aldosterone, a hormone that regulates sodium and potassium balance in the body. By inhibiting aldosterone, your kidneys can remove extra water and sodium. This helps lower the amount of fluid in your blood vessels and other areas of your body. It makes you urinate more without lowering the amount of potassium in your body. This helps to reduce fluid retention and lower blood pressure.

In addition to its effects on fluid balance, Aldactone also has anti-androgenic properties. It blocks the effects of androgens, or male hormones, on the skin and hair follicles. This makes Aldactone an effective treatment for hormonal acne in women and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder that can cause a range of symptoms, including acne, irregular periods, and excess hair growth.

Follow all directions given by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full prescribing information, FDA-approved product labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Aldactone. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Aldactone:

• Aldactone is taken by mouth.
• Take Aldactone precisely as your doctor prescribes and as the label reads.
• Aldactone can be taken with or without food. Often, it is recommended you take it with food if you feel ill when taking this or any medications.
• Keep taking Aldactone unless your medical professional tells you to stop.
• If you are a caregiver, make sure you talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Different instructions may be needed.
• If, by chance, you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip your missed dose and take your next dose at its scheduled time. Do not take double or extra doses.

The most common side effects of Aldactone seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Hair loss (alopecia)
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Enlargement of male breasts (gynecomastia)
• Stomach cramps
• Lower sex drive
• Breast pain
• Irregular or lack of menstrual periods
• Sexual dysfunction
• Higher potassium levels
• Leg cramps
• Lower sodium levels

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Aldactone. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency at your nearest hospital to receive medical help:

• High potassium levels in your blood (hyperkalemia)
• Symptoms could include: muscle weakness, a tingling sensation, numbness, trouble catching your breath, racing heart, nausea, chest pain, vomiting
• Other electrolyte level imbalances, including low sodium, calcium, and magnesium in your blood.
• Symptoms could include fainting, muscle cramps, seizures, and irregular heartbeats.
• Kidney failure
• Symptoms could include muscle cramps, not urinating as much as usual, nausea, tiredness, vomiting, and swelling.
• Serious skin reactions
• Serious allergic reactions
• Symptoms could include skin rash, hives, and swelling of the face, lips, and tongue.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Aldactone. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Aldactone, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• High blood level of potassium
• Addison's disease or low adrenal gland function
• Liver disease
• Heart disease
• Kidney disease or kidney problems
• An unusual or allergic reaction to spironolactone,
• An allergy to medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives

You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Hyperkalemia
• Addison's disease
• Concomitant use of eplerenone

For conditions like fluid retention or high blood pressure, Aldactone may start working within 2 to 3 days, helping to reduce swelling or lower blood pressure.

However, it can take 1 to 2 weeks for the full benefit, especially for blood pressure management or conditions requiring long-term use, like heart failure.

When Aldactone is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes unless recommended by your doctor.
• This includes any medications that may increase the level of potassium in the blood (such as amiloride, cyclosporine, and eplerenone).
• Digoxin
• Colchicine
• Lithium
• Trimethoprim
• Loperamide
• Medicines that make you dizzy
• Medicines that help prevent a blood clot
• This includes heparin
• Blood pressure or heart pressure medicines
• This includes benazepril, lisinopril, losartan, valsartan, and other diuretics
• NSAIDS, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• This includes ibuprofen, aspirin, and Aleve (naproxen)
• Lab test interactions:
• This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (such as digoxin or cortisol levels)

Aldactone (spironolactone) is available in the following doses:

25 mg tablets

50 mg tablets

100 mg tablets

Aldactone should be stored at room temperature, away from excessive moisture, light, and heat.

Aldactone (spironolactone) is manufactured by Pfizer, a global pharmaceutical company.

Lower-cost generics are available for the brand name Aldactone.

Talk to your healthcare provider to stop taking Aldactone as they can help you create a plan to stop safely.

Aldactone isn't recommended if you are pregnant because limited studies suggest that it can cause harm to your unborn baby. However, having uncontrolled high blood pressure while pregnant may also lead to issues with you and/or your unborn baby. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

This medication passes into breast milk but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.