Aldactone
(Spironolactone)
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Aldactone (Spironolactone) Drug Uses
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).
How Aldactone (Spironolactone) Drug Works
Take Aldactone (Spironolactone) with food or
immediately after a meal to prevent stomach upset. Try to take
Aldactone (Spironolactone) at the same time each day. This may
help you to remember to take it. Learn proper use of your
particular brand of medication. Follow your dosing schedule
carefully. Be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist if you
have any questions. Use a supplemental form of birth control
during the first week of taking Aldactone (Spironolactone)
since it takes a while to be effective. Follow your doctor's
directions exactly if this drug is being used as a "morning
after" pill.
How Aldactone (Spironolactone) Taken
May be taken with or without food. 1.0-3.0
mg/Kg/day PO, given q 24 hours or (optionally) divided and
given q 12 hours.
Possible Aldactone (Spironolactone) Side Effects
Enlargement of the breasts (gynecomastia) is
a not infrequent side effect. Rare side effects include
diarrhea, cramps, drowsiness, rash, impotence, irregular
menstrual periods, and irregular hair growth.
Aldactone (Spironolactone) Warnings/Precautions
For the majority of women, Aldactone
(Spironolactone) can be taken safely. But some women are at
high risk of developing certain serious diseases that can be
life threatening or may cause temporary or permanent
disability or death. The risks associated with taking
Aldactone (Spironolactone) increase significantly if you:
- Smoke
- Have high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol
- Have or have had clotting disorders, heart attack,
stroke, chest pain (angina pectoris), and cancer of the
breast or reproductive organs, jaundice, or malignant or
benign liver tumors.
Aldactone (Spironolactone) Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local
poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms
of overdose may include nausea and vomiting. Females may
experience vaginal bleeding.
Aldactone (Spironolactone) Drug Interactions
Spironolactone can lower blood sodium levels
while raising flood potassium levels. Excessively high blood
potassium levels can lead to potentially life-threatening
heart rhythm abnormalities. Therefore, spironolactone usually
is not administered with other agents that can raise blood
potassium levels, such as potassium supplements, ACE
inhibitors, indometacin (Indocin), or other potassium-sparing
diuretics. Spironolactone can cause elevation of blood digoxin
(Lanoxin) levels, requiring adjustment of the digoxin
dosage.
Aldactone (Spironolactone) Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it.
However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the
missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not
take a double dose to make up for a missed
one.
Aldactone (Spironolactone) Storage
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C
(59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw
away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Aldactone (Spironolactone) More Information
The following information is intended to
supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of
your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is
safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your
healthcare professional before using this drug.
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