About Aldactone
Aldactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic. Aldactone works
on kidney enzymes to produce more urine which reduces excess
water and salt in the body, without causing potassium loss
like other diuretics. Aldactone is prescribed to help control
high blood pressure and helps reduce excess fluid in the body
caused by heart diseases. This medication may also be prescribed
to treat low blood potassium, or treat or detect high levels
of aldosterone in the blood.
Take Aldactone as prescribed. It may take several weeks to
realize full benefit of this medication. Aldactone is usually
used for long-term control of high blood pressure. Even if
you feel better, continue to take Aldactone as directed. Discontinuation
of this medication should be done gradually. Consult your
doctor before stopping treatment.
Your doctor may include a diet and exercise plan with treatment. You will likely have frequent blood pressure checks and occasional blood tests.
Aldactone is non-habit forming and available by prescription.
Aldactone Side Effects
Notify your doctor and seek immediate medical care if any side effects are severe.
Common Side Effects: diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps,
or vomiting. These side effects should go away as your body
adjusts, see your doctor if they persist.
Less Frequent Side Effects: constipation, decreased
sexual ability, dizziness, headache, muscle cramps. These
side effects should go away as your body adjusts, see your
doctor if they persist.
Report the following side effects to you doctor immediately,
as they may be signs of an intolerance for the medication:
Allergic reaction, itching, shortness of breath, skin rash.
Excess Potassium: confusion, difficult breathing,
fatigue, heavy or weak feeling in the legs, irregular heartbeat,
nervousness, numbness or tingling in extremities, shortness
of breath, or overall weakness.
Cautions: This medication may not be suitable for
everyone, and certain individuals may require dosage adjustments
or more careful medical supervision. To ensure the maximum
safety and effectiveness of treatment, discuss any current
instances or medical history of the following.
- Allergies: Any allergic reaction to Aldactone,
ameloride, or hydrochlorothiazide means that you should
not use the drug again. Inform your doctor of any food or
dye allergies. Seek medical care and discontinue treatment
if you have an allergic reaction.
- Dehydration: Aldactone may increase risk of dehydration,
which could lower blood pressure to unsafe levels. Avoid
dehydration, especially during exercise and hot weather.
- Diabetes: Caution, notify your doctor if you have
diabetes before taking Aldactone.
- Gout: Tell your doctor if you have gout before
taking Aldactone.
- Kidney Problems or Stones: Notify your doctor of
any kidney problems. People with kidney disease should not
take Aldactone.
- Liver Disease: Caution, notify your doctor if you
have liver problems before taking Aldactone.
- Low Sodium Diet: Follow your doctor's instructions
regarding sodium intake.
- Medical Tests: This medication may alter results
on a number of medical tests. Inform the lab technician
that you are using Aldactone before your test.
- Menstrual Problems: May be worsened.
- Other Medications: Any other prescription or over
the counter medications that you take or may plan to take
should be discussed with your prescribing physician and
pharmacist. It's particularly important to mention treatments
for high blood pressure.
- Potassium: Bananas, orange juice, prunes and raisins
are examples of foods high in potassium. Discuss potassium
intake with your doctor. Do not take potassium supplements
while taking this medication.
- Pregnancy: Safety of Aldactone is not established
in pregnant women. Notify your doctor if you are pregnant
or plan to become pregnant.
- Surgery: If you will have any type of surgery or
dental work, tell your surgeon or doctor that you are taking
Aldactone.
Aldactone Interactions
This medication may not mix well with all prescription and over the counter treatments, be sure to discuss with your doctor and pharmacist any other treatments you may plan to take, especially any of the following.
- ACE (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme) Inhibitors - Medications
like Accupril (quinapril),
Aceon (perindopril), Altace
(ramipril), Capoten
(captopril), Lotensin
(benazepril), Mavik (trandolapril), Monopril
(fosinopril), Prinivil or Zestril (lisinopril),
Univasc (moexipril), and Vasotec
(enalapril) may cause high blood potassium when combined
with Aldactone.
- Alcohol - May lower blood pressure even further and increase
drowsiness. Speak with your doctor about recommended use.
- Angiotensin II antagonists - Taking angiotensin II antagonists
such as Cozaar (losartan)
or Diovan (valsartan)
while taking Aldactone may increase the risk of high blood
levels of potassium.
- Arginine - May cause dangerous potassium levels when combined
with Aldactone.
- Barbiturates - Sedatives like Butalbital, Fioricet
(butalbital, acetaminophen, and caffeine), Fiorinal,
Phenobarbitol, Seconal, or other barbiturates may not be
suitable treatments for use with this medication.
- Blood pressure medications - The effects of other blood
pressure medications may be increased when combined with
Aldactone. Notify your doctor of all medications you are
taking.
- Diabetes medications - Notify your doctor if you take
diabetes medications such as Micronase, DiaBeta, or insulin.
- Diuretics - Do not combine with other diuretics without
your doctor's approval.
- Herbal supplements - Talk with your doctor before taking
any herbal supplements with Aldactone.
- High blood pressure medications - Consult your doctor
before combining Aldactone with other high blood pressure
medications.
- Lanoxin (digoxin) -
The effectiveness of Lanoxin may be decreased when taken
with Aldactone.
- Lithium - Toxic levels of this
drug may build up, the combination is not generally advised.
- Muscle relaxants - Notify your doctor if you are taking
muscle relaxants before combining with Aldactone.
- Potassium supplements - Do not take potassium supplements
while taking Aldactone. Follow your doctor's guidelines
regarding potassium rich foods such as bananas, orange juice,
prunes, and raisins.
- Prograf (tacrolimus) - May cause high potassium levels
when combined with Aldactone.
- Quinaglute (quinidine) - Risk of heartbeat abnormalities
when combined with Aldactone.
- Salt substitutes - Increases risk of high blood levels
of potassium.
- Sandimmune (cyclosporine) - May cause excessive potassium
levels when combined with Aldactone.
- Triamterene - Combining Aldactone with triamterene such
as Dyrenium or Dyazide may cause dangerously high potassium
levels.
Aldactone Dosages
The following dosages are starting doses for the typical adult
patient. Follow your doctor's dosage instructions.
- High Aldosterone levels: 100mg-400mg daily to treat,
400mg daily to diagnose. Take in two to four doses as directed.
- High blood pressure: 50mg-100mg daily, in one, two, or
four doses as directed.
- Low blood potassium: 25mg-100mg daily, in one, two, or
four doses as directed.
- Reducing excess water: 25mg-200mg daily, divided in two
to four doses as directed.
Aldactone Directions
For best results, take your medication at the same time every day
to maintain consistent blood levels.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it's
nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume
your regular schedule. Don't double doses, intentionally skip
doses, or change your dose without permission from your doctor.
Tablets may be taken with or without food.
This medication may cause drowsiness. Do not drive or operate
machinery until you know how this medication effects you and
if it is safe to do so.
Store Aldactone away from direct light and heat. Store in a dry location; avoid storing it in the bathroom, near sinks, or other areas where it may become damp. Do not use after the expiration date.
Keep Aldactone away from children; both when storing it, and when discarding any unused medication.
Aldactone and Pregnancy
There is insufficient evidence of the safety of using Aldactone while pregnant. Notify your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Aldactone and Children
This medication has been tested in children, and does not appear
to cause different side effects than in adults.
Aldactone and Seniors
Watch carefully for symptoms of excess potassium, such as: confusion,
difficult breathing, fatigue, heavy or weak feeling in the
legs, irregular heartbeat, nervousness, numbness or tingling
in extremities, shortness of breath, or overall weakness.
Generic Spironolactone is manufactured by Geneva and Mylan
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This document is provided for information only. It is not a substitute for consultation with a physician, either to diagnose symptoms or prescribe treatment. Any dosages mentioned are general guidelines only, please follow the directions of your doctor or pharmacist exactly when taking medication. We have made every effort to ensure that this information is accurate, but only your doctor can say if a medication, or drug combination, is safe for you. Information intended for US residents only.
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