Spironolactone
is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist
for more information.
How
should Aldactone
be used?
Spironolactone comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually
is taken once a day in the morning with breakfast or twice a day
with breakfast and lunch. Follow the directions on your prescription
label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain
any part you do not understand. Take spironolactone exactly as
directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often
than prescribed by your doctor.
Spironolactone
controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Continue to
take spironolactone even if you feel well. Do not stop taking
spironolactone without talking to your doctor.
Aldactone
: Full Prescribing Information
What
special precautions should I follow?
Before
taking aldactone,
-
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to spironolactone,
sulfa drugs, or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications you are taking, especially aspirin; captopril (Capoten);
digoxin (Lanoxin); enalapril (Vasotec); lisinopril (Prinivil,
Zestril); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); medications for arthritis,
diabetes, or high blood pressure; potassium supplements; and vitamins.
Do not take this medicine if you are taking amiloride or triamterene.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes, gout,
or kidney or liver disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant,
or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking spironolactone,
call your doctor immediately.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the
doctor or dentist that you are taking spironolactone.
- you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive
a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects
you.
- remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this
drug.
What should I do if I forget a 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.
What
side effects can Aldactone cause?
Although side effects from spironolactone are not common, they
can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe
or do not go away:
-
upset stomach
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- stomach pain
- frequent urination
- dizziness
- headache
- enlarged or painful breasts
- irregular menstrual periods
- drowsiness
If
you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor
immediately:
-
muscle weakness or cramps
- rapid, excessive weight loss
- fatigue
- slow or irregular heartbeat
- sore throat
- unusual bruising or bleeding
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- skin rash
- vomiting blood
- fever
- confusion
What storage conditions are needed for
Aldactone?
Keep this medicine in the container it came in, tightly closed,
and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and
away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw
away any medicine that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to
your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medicine.
What
other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.
Your blood pressure should be checked regularly, and blood tests
should be done occasionally.
Do
not let anyone else take your medicine. Ask your pharmacist any
questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Aldactone
: Full Prescribing Information |