Aldactone is used in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure. Lowering blood pressure can reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
Spironolactone is also used to diagnose and treat hyperaldosteronism, a condition in which the adrenal gland produces too much aldosterone. This medication may also be used to treat fluid retention (edema) in patients with congestive heart failure, liver cirrhosis or a kidney disorder called nephrotic syndrome.
Spironolactone is a potassium sparing diuretic (water pill). It prevents your body from absorbing too much salt and keeps your potassium levels from getting too low. This medication is also used to treat or prevent hypokalemia (low potassium in the blood).
This medication is only available through your doctor’s prescription.
As with all medicines, the risks must be compared to how much a medication will help you. This is a decision that you and your doctor will make together.
For this medication, there are many things that need to be considered:
Allergies - Inform your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to Doxorubicin or to any other medications. It is also important to inform your doctor of any non-medicine allergies such as foods, dyes, preservatives or animals.
Pediatric - No appropriate studies have been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of this medication in children. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric - No appropriate studies have been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of this medication in the elderly. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Pregnancy - This medication is listed as Pregnancy Category C. This means that animal studies have shown an adverse effect and no studies have been performed on pregnant women OR there are no adequate studies on pregnant animals and pregnant women.
Breastfeeding - Studies in women suggest that this medication poses minimal risk to the infant when used while breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions - Certain medications should not be used together. However, in certain cases, two medications may be used together, even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change your dose or take other precautions. When taking this medication, it is important that you inform your doctor if you are taking any of the medications listed below. The following interactions were selected on the basis of potential significance and are not all-inclusive.Using this medication with any of the following is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication, or change some of the other medications you take:
Eplerenone
TriamtereneUsing this medication with any of the following medication is not recommended, but may be unavoidable in some cases.Your doctor may make the decision not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medications you take:
ZofenoprilUsing this medication with any of the following medications may increase your risk of side effects. However, using both medications may be the best treatment for you.If both medications are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you take one or both medications:
Other Interactions - Certain medications should not be used while eating, or while eating certain foods in case of negative interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medications may also cause negative interactions. Talk with your doctor about the use of your medication with food, alcohol or tobacco.
Other Medical Problems - Pre-existing medical problems may affect the use of this medication. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
Kidney disease (severe) - Should not be used in patients with these conditions.
Electrolyte imbalance
Fluid imbalances
Liver disease (severe) - Use with caution. May make these conditions worse.
3 Proper Usage
In addition to using Aldactone, treatment for your hypertension may include weight control and changes in the types of food you eat, especially foods high in sodium and potassium. Your doctor will tell you which of these are most important for you. Ask your doctor before changing your diet.
Many patients who have hypertension will not notice any signs of a problem. It is very important that you take this medication exactly as directed and that you keep your appointments with your doctor, even if you feel well.
This medication will not cure your high blood pressure, but it will help to control it. You must continue to take it as directed if you expect it to lower your blood pressure and keep it down.
You may have hypertension for the rest of your life. If not treated, hypertension can lead to heart failure, blood vessel disease, stroke or kidney disease.
Dosing
Different patients will be given a different dose of this medication based on the strength of the medication. The number of doses you take each day, the time between doses and the length of time you take this medication depends on the reason you are taking this medication.
The following information only includes the average dose of this medication. If your dose is different, do not change it without first speaking to your doctor.
Adults - Start with 25 mg once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose if needed.
Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
For high blood pressure (hypertension)
Adults - Start with 50-100 mg per day, taken in either a single or divided dose. Your doctor may adjust your dose if needed.
Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
For low potassium in the blood (hypokalemia)
Adults - 25-100 mg per day.
Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
For too much aldosterone in the body
Adults - 400 mg for 4 days, or 400 mg per day for 3-4 weeks to diagnose the condition. Then 100-400 mg per day after the diagnosis is confirmed.
Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medication, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosing schedule. Do not double dose.
Storage
Store this medication in a closed container at room temperature. Keep it away form heat, moisture and direct light. Do not freeze.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep expired medication or medication you no longer need. Ask your doctor how to dispose of any medication you do not use.
4 Precautions To Take
It is very important that your doctor checks in with you often while you are receiving Aldactone to make sure that it is working properly. Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.
Do not take this medication with Eplerenone. Using these medications together may cause serious unwanted effects.
Do not take other medications unless you have discussed them with your doctor. This includes potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium or certain diuretics.
especially when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position.
Make sure you know how you react to this medication before you drive, use machinery or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medication affects you. If you feel dizzy, lie down to keep from fainting. The sit for a few moments before standing to prevent the dizziness from returning.
Inform your doctor immediately if you become sick while taking this medication
These conditions may cause you to lose too much water or salt and may lead to low blood pressure (hypotension). You can also lose water by sweating, so drink plenty of water during exercise or in hot weather.
This medication may cause swelling of the breasts (gynecomastia) or breast pain in some patients. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.
Aldactone may produce unwanted affects along with the intended effects. Although not all of these side-effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:
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