Aldactone
Brand
name:Aldactone
Pronounced: A al-DAK-tone
Generic name: Spironolactone
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Why
is Aldactone prescribed?
Aldactone
flushes excess salt and water from the body and controls high
blood pressure. It is used in the diagnosis and treatment of
hyperaldosteronism, a condition in which the adrenal gland secretes
too much aldosterone (a hormone that regulates the body's salt
and potassium levels). It is also used in treating other conditions
that require the elimination of excess fluid from the body.
These conditions include congestive heart failure, high blood
pressure, cirrhosis of the liver, kidney disease, and unusually
low potassium levels in the blood. When used for high blood
pressure, Aldactone can be taken alone or with other high blood
pressure medications.
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Most
important fact about Aldactone
If
you have high blood pressure, you must take Aldactone regularly
for it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually,
it may be several weeks before you get the full benefit of Aldactone;
and you must continue taking it even if you are feeling well.
Spironolactone does not cure high blood pressure; it merely
keeps it under control.
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How
should you take Aldactone?
Take
Aldactone exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Stopping Aldactone
suddenly could cause your condition to worsen.
--If
you miss a dose...
Take
it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next
dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule.
Never take 2 doses at the same time.
--Storage
instructions...
Store
at room temperature.
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What
side effects may occur?
Side
effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can
determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Spironolactone.
Side effects may include:
Abdominal cramps, breast development in males, change in potassium
levels (leading to such symptoms as dry mouth, excessive thirst,
weak or irregular heartbeat, and muscle pain or cramps), deepening
of voice, diarrhea, drowsiness, excessive hairiness, fever,
headache, hives, irregular menstruation, kidney problems, lack
of coordination, lethargy, liver problems, mental confusion,
postmenopausal bleeding, severe allergic reaction, sexual dysfunction,
skin eruptions, stomach bleeding, stomach inflammation, ulcers,
vomiting
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Why
should Aldactone not be prescribed?
You
should not take Aldactone if you have kidney disease, an inability
to urinate, difficulty urinating, or high potassium levels in
your blood.
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Special
warnings about Aldactone
Potassium
supplements or other diuretics that leave your potassium levels
high, such as Maxzide, should not be used while taking Aldactone,
unless specifically indicated by your doctor. Symptoms of excess
potassium include tingling sensations, fatigue, muscle weakness
or paralysis, and a slow heartbeat. If you develop these problems,
call your doctor immediately.
ACE
inhibitors (Vasotec, Capoten), used for blood pressure and heart
failure, should not be taken while using Aldactone.
If
you are taking Aldactone, your kidney function should be given
a complete assessment and should continue to be monitored.
If
you have liver disease, your doctor will be cautious about using
this medication.
Excessive
sweating, severe diarrhea, or vomiting could cause you to lose
too much water and cause your blood pressure to become too low.
Signs of dehydration include thirst, dry mouth, weakness, drowsiness,
muscle fatigue, muscle cramps, restlessness, reduced urination,
and a rapid heartbeat. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids whenever
dehydration threatens, and be careful when exercising in hot
weather.
Notify
your doctor or dentist that you are taking Aldactone if you
have a medical emergency, and before you have surgery or dental
treatment.
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Possible
food and drug interactions
If Aldactone is taken with certain other drugs, the effects
of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially
important to check with your doctor before combining Aldactone
with the following:
ACE
inhibitors such as Vasotec and Capoten
Alcohol
Barbiturates such as phenobarbital and Seconal
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Indomethacin (Indocin)
Lithium (Lithonate)
Narcotic drugs such as those containing codeine
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Advil,
Aleve, and Motrin
Norepinephrine (Levophed)
Other water pills such as Lasix and HydroDIURIL
Other high blood pressure medications such as Aldomet and Procardia
XL
Steroids such as prednisone
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Special
information
The effects of Aldactone during pregnancy have not been adequately
studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform
your doctor immediately. Aldactone appears in breast milk and
could affect a nursing infant. If this medication is essential
to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding
until your treatment with Spironolactone is finished.
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Recommended
dosage
ADULTS
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Primary Hyperaldosteronism
Initial dosages of this medication are used to determine the
presence of primary hyperaldosteronism (too much secretion of
the adrenal hormone aldosterone). People can be tested with
this medication over either a long or a short period of time.
In
the long test, you take 400 milligrams per day for 3 to 4 weeks.
If your potassium levels and blood pressure are corrected with
this dosage in this time period, your physician may assume you
have this condition.
In
the short test, you receive 400 milligrams per day for 4 days.
A laboratory test compares potassium levels while you are on
Aldactone and after the medication is stopped. Your doctor may
then make a diagnosis.
After
the diagnosis of primary hyperaldosteronism is made and confirmed
by more tests, the usual dose is 100 to 400 milligrams per day,
prior to surgery. In those who are not good candidates for surgery,
this drug is given over the long term at the lowest effective
dose.
Fluid
Retention (Congestive Heart Failure, Cirrhosis of the Liver,
or Kidney Disorders)
The
usual starting dosage is 100 milligrams daily either in a single
dose or divided into smaller doses. However, your doctor may
have you take daily doses as low as 25 milligrams or as high
as 200 milligrams.
Your
doctor may choose to adjust your dosage after an initial 5-day
trial period or add another diuretic medication to this one.
Essential
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
The
usual starting dosage is 50 to 100 milligrams daily in a single
dose or divided into smaller doses. This medication may be given
with another diuretic or with other high blood pressure medications.
It
may be up to 2 weeks before the full effect of this medication
is seen. Your doctor can then adjust the dosage according to
your response.
Hypokalemia
(Potassium Loss)
Your
doctor may have you take daily dosages of 25 milligrams to 100
milligrams when potassium loss caused by the effects of a diuretic
cannot be treated by a potassium supplement.
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