Drug Name

Aldactone (Spironolactone)

Drug Uses

This medicine is a potassium-sparing diuretic used to treat congestive heart failure or high blood pressure. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How Taken

Follow the directions for using this medicine, provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken with food if it upsets your stomach. This medicine may cause an increase in urine or in frequency of urination. To prevent this from affecting sleep: try not to take any dose later than 6 p.m.

Drug Class and Mechanism

One of the main functions of the kidneys is to retain salt (sodium chloride) and water. In patients with heart failure and cirrhosis, increased levels of a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, called aldosterone, causes salt and fluid retention by the kidneys. Spironolactone inhibits the action of aldosterone causing the kidneys to excrete salt and fluid while retaining potassium. Therefore, spironolactone is classified as a potassium-sparing medication that promotes the output of urine (diuretic).

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, 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.

Storage

Store this medicine at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light.

Warnings/Precautions

This medicine can raise your body's potassium levels. This is more likely to occur in people with kidney problems, diabetes, in elderly patients, or if the patient is severely ill. Potassium levels must be closely monitored in people with any of these problems or illnesses. If not treated, high potassium levels can be fatal. If you develop any of the following symptoms, notify your doctor immediately: muscle weakness, slow or irregular heartbeat. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. Do not take this medicine if you are also taking potassium. Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or indomethacin) or medicine for heart conditions (ACE inhibitors). Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks.

Possible Side Effects

Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include abdominal cramping, nausea, diarrhea, headache, or change in sexual ability. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience dry mouth, excessive thirst, unusual tiredness, unusual muscle weakness, skin rash, deepening of voice, irregular or no menstrual periods, slowed heart rate, or enlarged breasts in men or breast tenderness in women. If you notice any unusual effects, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

More Information

Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.