Drug Name

Aldactone (Spironolactone)

Drug Uses

Aldactone is used for treating swelling and fluid retention in patients with congestive heart failure, liver cirrhosis, or kidney problems (nephrotic syndrome). It is also used for treatment of high blood pressure. It may also be used to treat or prevent low blood potassium. It may also be used to treat excess secretion of the hormone aldosterone by the adrenal gland.

How to use

Use Aldactone as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

Take Aldactone by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.

Aldactone may increase the amount of urine or cause you to urinate more often when you first start taking it. To keep this from disturbing your sleep, try to take your dose before 6 pm.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Aldactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic. It works by blocking the hormone aldosterone, causing the kidney to eliminate excess water, save potassium, and lower blood pressure.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Aldactone , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once. If more than one dose is missed, restart the medication and advise your doctor or pharmacist at your next appointment.

Storage

Store Aldactone at room temperature, between 59 and 77 degrees F (15 and 25 degrees C), in a tightly closed container. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Aldactone out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do NOT use Aldactone if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Aldactone
• you are unable to urinate, have severe kidney problems, or have high blood potassium levels
• you are taking a potassium supplement, another potassium-sparing diuretic (eg, amiloride, triamterene), or another aldosterone-blocker (eg, eplerenone)

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have high acidity in your body fluids; low blood sodium levels; high blood potassium levels; kidney, liver, or heart disease; diabetes; or high urea or nitrogen in your blood
• if you have menstrual disease

Possible Side Effects

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Diarrhea; drowsiness; headache; nausea; stomach cramping; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black, tarry, or bloody stools; change in the amount of urine produced; confusion; dark urine; decreased sexual ability; enlarged breasts in men; irregular or missed menstrual periods; pale stools; severe or persistent stomach pain; symptoms of abnormal fluid or electrolyte levels (eg, fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; increased thirst; muscle weakness; severe or persistent dry mouth, nausea, or vomiting; severe or persistent dizziness or drowsiness; unusual fatigue or sluggishness; tingling sensation); yellowing of the skin or eyes.

More Information

If you have any questions about Aldactone , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Aldactone is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.