Aldactone

Aldactone Drug Information

• Aldactone Overview

  Spironolactone is used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. It is also used to treat swelling (edema) caused by certain conditions (such as heart failure, liver disease) by removing excess fluid and improving symptoms such as breathing problems. Aldactone is also used to treat low potassium levels and conditions in which the body is making too much of a natural chemical (aldosterone). Spironolactone is known as a "water pill" (potassium-sparing diuretic).

• How to Use Aldactone

  Take Aldactone by mouth, as directed by your doctor. If stomach upset occurs, take it with food or milk. It is best to take your dose early in the day (before 6 p.m.) to prevent having to get up during the night to urinate. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. If you are using the liquid form of Aldactone, shake the bottle well before each dose. Carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. You may take the liquid form of Aldactone with or without food, but it is important to choose one way and take it the same way with every dose. Dosage of Aldactone is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. In children, the Dosage of Aldactone is also based on body weight. Take Aldactone regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use Aldactone at the same time(s) each day as directed. It is important to continue taking Aldactone even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. Take Aldactone exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose, take it more often than prescribed, or stop using this medicine without first consulting your doctor. Your condition may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Inform your doctor if your condition worsens (e.g., if you notice an increase in your routine blood pressure readings).

• Aldactone Precautions

  Before taking spironolactone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Aldactone may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Aldactone, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,kidney problems, liver problems, untreated mineral imbalance (such as high potassium, low sodium), decreased adrenal gland function (Addison's disease). Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Aldactone may increase your potassium levels. Before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Limit foods high in potassium such as bananas, tomatoes, potatoes, and low-salt milk. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, including recommendations. Aldactone may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of Aldactone, especially the effects on potassium (see Side Effects section). Aldactone should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Aldactone passes into breast milk but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Aldactone Misdose

  If you miss a dose of Aldactone, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Aldactone Interactions

  See also Precautions section. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.lithium, drugs that may increase the level of potassium in the blood (such as amiloride, cyclosporine, eplerenone, tacrolimus, triamterene, birth control pills containing drospirenone). Some products have ingredients that could raise your blood pressure or worsen your swelling. Tell your pharmacist what products you are using, and ask how to use them safely (especially cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen). Aldactone may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including digoxin or cortisol levels), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use Aldactone.

• Aldactone Side Effects

  What are Aldactone side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Aldactone may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Aldactone as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Aldactone

  The side effects of Aldactone may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Aldactone. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Aldactone may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Aldactone, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Aldactone.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Aldactone, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Aldactone and the side effects associated with Aldactone are described in the following:

  Common Aldactone Side Effects

  Severe

  • hyperkalemia

  Less Severe

  • gastrointestinal irritation

  Less Frequent Aldactone Side Effects

  Severe

  • hyponatremia
  • hypomagnesemia

  Less Severe

  • abnormal sexual function
  • Erectile Dysfunction
  • gynecomastia
  • dizziness
  • headache disorder

  Rare or Very Rare Aldactone Side Effects

  Severe

  • agranulocytosis
  • hyperuricemia
  • dyspnea
  • Anaphylaxis
  • gastrointestinal hemorrhage
  • gastric ulcer
  • hypersensitivity angiitis
  • cholestatic hepatitis
  • kidney disease with reduction in GFR
  • Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
  • toxic epidermal necrolysis
  • eosinophilia
  • thrombocytopenic disorder
  • leukopenia
  • vasculitis
  • hypotension
  • hypovolemia
  • DRESS syndrome
  • dehydration
  • hypocalcemia
  • hyperglycemia
  • Hypochloremic Alkalosis

  Less Severe

  • allergic dermatitis
  • pruritus of skin
  • skin rash
  • diarrhea
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • abdominal pain with cramps
  • irregular menstrual periods
  • amenorrhea
  • fever
  • urticaria
  • Maculopapular Rash
  • acute confusion
  • ataxia
  • drowsy
  • lethargy
  • mastalgia
  • cramps in legs
  • alopecia
  • gastritis
  • libido changes
  • menstrual disorder
  • postmenopausal bleeding

• Aldactone Storage

  Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Aldactone when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.