Aldactone

 Category: Diuretics

Generic name: Spironolactone

Aldactone tablets

What is Aldactone?

Aldactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic. The active ingredient in Aldactone is spironolactone which is dispensed as oral tablets (25mg, 50mg and 100mg).

Drug Uses

Aldactone is prescribed to treat fluid retention associated with the following conditions: cirrhosis of the liver, congestive heart failure, and nephrotic syndrome (a kidney disorder). Aldactone also prevents hypokalemia (low levels of potassium) and regulates salt content in the blood.

Aldactone is used to treat other medical conditions not listed in this information guide.

Dose

Aldactone must always be used as directed. Do not make adjustments to the dose before speaking to a doctor. Take each dose with a glass of water.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, it may be taken when you remember. However, do not take the missed dose near the time of the next scheduled dose. In this case, ignore the missed dose. Never double-up on a dose.

Warnings and Precautions

Do not use Aldactone if you are allergic to spironolactone.

Do not use Aldactone if you have high levels of potassium in your blood, or if you have difficulty in urinating, or if you have kidney disease.

Do not use Aldactone if you are using a potassium-sparing diuretic, or if you are using potassium supplements. Aldactone should not be used with medications containing triamterene or amiloride.

Tell your doctor if you have liver or heart disease, or if you are using steroids or another diuretic.

While using Aldactone you will need to have regular blood tests to ensure that the medication is having the desired effect. Your doctor may also wish to regularly check that your liver and kidneys are functioning correctly.

If you are using Aldactone to treat high blood pressure, do not stop taking this medication even if you are feeling fine. There are often no obvious symptoms of high blood pressure.

Aldactone may harm an unborn fetus, so pregnant women should not use this drug. Aldactone is passed into breast milk so women who are breast-feeding should use this drug with caution, under directions of a doctor. If you become pregnant while using Aldactone, inform your doctor immediately.

Before using Aldactone, you must give your doctor full details of your medical history and other medications that you use. These include herbal medicines and vitamin supplements. Aldactone can react badly with some medications.

Possible Side-effects

Get emergency help if any of the following symptoms of allergy occur: hives, difficulty in breathing, or swelling of the face, tongue, lips or throat.

Contact your doctor immediately if any of the following serious side-effects occur: muscle weakness or pain, tingling or numbness, irregular heart rate, drowsiness, lightheadedness, restlessness, decreased urination, tremors, shallow breathing, confusion, stomach pain, nausea, lack of appetite, low fever, clay-colored stools, dark urine, or jaundice.

Less serious side-effects may include mild skin rash, mild nausea or vomiting, headache, dizziness, stomach pain, or gas.

Contact your doctor if any uncomfortable symptoms occur, or persist.

Overdose

Call for emergency help immediately. Symptoms of overdose with Aldactone can include confusion, drowsiness, nausea, red skin rash, diarrhea, or vomiting.

Storage instructions

Aldactone must be kept away from children and stored in a dry, cool place away from sunlight and moisture.