ALDACTONE - Spironolactone

Aldactone Used For

Aldactone belongs to the class of drugs called potassium-sparing diuretics (water pill). It is used to reduce the amount of fluid in the body without causing undue loss of potassium. Aldactone is prescribed for the treatment of edema (swelling) and hypertension (high blood pressure). It may also be is also used to treat potassium deficiency and hyperaldosteronism (a hormonal disorder).

Directions for Aldactone

While the actual dosage of Aldactone varies from patient from patient, the recommended dosages are as under: To lower the amount of water in the body: Adults can be started at 25 to 200 milligrams (mg) a day divided into two to four doses and the dosage increased as necessary. For high blood pressure: Adults should be started at 50 to 100 milligrams (mg) a day as a single dose or divided into two or four doses and then gradually increased up to 200 mg a day. Your doctor may gradually increase your dose up to 200 mg a day. To treat high aldosterone levels in the body: The recommended dose for adults is 100 to 400 mg a day, taken as a single dose or divided into two to four doses. Medication should be continued till the time surgery is done. For detecting high aldosterone levels in the body: 400 mg a day for adults, taken in two to four doses for a period from four days to 3-4 weeks as decided by the doctor. To treat low potassium levels in the blood: 25 to 100 mg a day for adults, which may be taken as a single dose or split into two to four doses. Dose for children is based on body weight and determined by the doctor. The usual dose is 1 to 3 mg per kg (0.45 to 1.36 mg per pound), which may be taken as a sigle dose or divided into two or four doses.

How Aldactone works

It is advisable not to use salt substitutes or low-sodium milk products that contain potassium while taking Aldactone as these products could create high levels of potassium in blood. Talk to your doctor about taking any such salt substitutes. As compared to some other diuretics, Aldactone does not cause loss of potassium and so does not create a need for extra potassium intake, which could otherwise be harmful. Check with your doctor if you become sick and have severe or continuing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea while under treatment with Aldactone. These may cause additional water loss which could in turn lead to loss of potassium or other harmful side effects.

Side effects of Aldactone

Aldactone can possibly cause an allergic reaction such as difficulty in breathing; closing of throat; swelling of lips, tongue, or face; or hives; an irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, fatigue, confusion, weakness, numbness, or tingling (caused by high levels of potassium in your blood); or decreased urination. It is advisable to consult a doctor immediately if any of these occur. At the same time, this medication may cause other, less serious side effects such as unusual headache or dizziness; nausea, diarrhea, or a decrease in appetite; dry mouth; bloating; muscle cramps; or lowering of the voice, excessive hair growth, or enlarged breasts.

Other Aldactone Information

Before starting on Aldactone, it is advisable to inform your doctor if you are one any of the following medications: lithium, probenecid; a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen, naproxen , ketoprofen, indomethacin, diclofenac, etodolac, nabumetone, oxaprozin, piroxicam, sulindac, tolmetin, fenoprofen, ketorolac, or flurbiprofen; or a diabetes medication such as glipizide, glyburide; chlorpropamide; tolazamide; tolbutamide; and others. At the same time, you should inform your doctor about taking other medicines for the treatment of high blood pressure, heart troubles, or other related conditions since some of these medicines may interact with Aldactone to lead to heart affecting side effects.