Aldactone (Spironolactone)

What is Aldactone?

Aldactone is a diuretic (water pill) that treats high blood pressure.

What is Aldactone used for?

Aldactone is used to help the body lower high blood pressure and prevent heart strokes, heart failure, kidney and liver diseases. It treats edema or excess absorption of salt by the body.

The medicine normalizes the pressure on the blood and keeps the arteries functioning without problems. It also replenishes the lost potassium in the body.

How does Aldactone work?

Aldactone is a water pill and hence decreases the amount of water in the body by allowing more water to pass through the urine.

How to use Aldactone

Take the tablet as directed by your doctor. You are advised to take the Aldactone tablet orally with a full glass of water. You can take the medicine with milk in case you have an upset stomach. It is recommended that the tablets are taken the number of times approved by the doctor.

It is best to take the tablet before six in the evening, so as to not disturb night time sleep. To gain the best results, take Aldactone daily and preferably at the same time.

Aldactone warnings and precautions

Do not take Aldactone if you are allergic to any of its ingredients, or if you have severe kidney disease, anuria and hyperkalemia.

Check with your doctor before you take this medicine if you have a medical history of kidney and liver diseases, mineral imbalance, folic acid deficiency and acidosis, gout and lupus.

Avoid a high sodium diet. Do not take sodium substitutes while you are under this medication as it can increase potassium levels in the body. Do not take any steroid alongside Aldactone. Limit potassium rich foods like bananas, tomatoes, and potatoes.

Aldactone can make you feel dizzy and blur the vision; therefore, you are not advised to take up any attention demanding work while you are under this medication period. Avoid alcohol at all costs.

The medicine is not advised to be given to pregnant and lactating mothers as it can harm an unborn or nursing child.

Do not discontinue the medicine without consulting your doctor.

What do I do if I have missed a Aldactone dose?

If you have missed an Aldactone dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not take more of the medicine to make up for the loss.

What do I do if I have taken a Aldactone overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Aldactone, consult your doctor.

Aldactone interactions

Aldactone must not be taken in tandem with eplerenone as it can cause serious interactions.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor about all prescription and non prescription drugs that you use, especially if you are taking corticosteroids, digoxin, lithium, mitotane, NSAIDs, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, potassium supplements, ACE inhibitors, diet aids, and medicines for cough and cold.

Aldactone side effects

Side effects from Aldactone include diarrhea, constipation, headache, numbness, stinging, burning, pain, dizziness and blurred vision. If these conditions persist, it is recommended that you visit your medical health provider.

Some of the more serious side effects of Aldactone include dry mouth, increased thirst, nausea, vomiting, restlessness, uneven heart beat, hives, swelling on the face, lips and tongue.

Increased urination, bruising, bleeding, red skin rash, hearing loss, dark urine, clayey stool, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, and loss of appetite are also Aldactone side effects that need to be informed to the doctor.