| |
Aldactone (Spironolactone) is a diuretic, also known as "water pill". Diuretics gain the amount of urine passed, which causes the body to lose water and salt. Spironolactone assists to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Aldactone also reduces the swelling and water retentivity caused from several medical conditions, such as heart, liver, or nephrosis. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic drug. It doesn't give your body lose potassium, it can assist patients who have a low blood potassium.
What should I tell my physician before I take Aldactone?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Diabetes, heart condition, high blood level of potassium, liver disease, low blood level of sodium, nephrosis, mestrual abnormality, an unusual or allergic reaction to spironolactone, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives, pregnant or trying to get pregnant, breastfeeding.
How should I take Aldactone?
Take Aldactone orally. Follow the instructions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. If spironolactone disturbances your stomach, take it with food or milk. Take your doses at regular intervals. Don't take Aldactone more often than directed. Remember that you will need to pass urine frequently after taking spironolactone. Do not take your doses at a time of day that will cause you problems. Do not take at bedtime.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with spironolactone? antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen), corticosteroids, cyclosporine, digoxin, heparin, lithium, medicines for high blood pressure, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (Azilect®, Eldepryl®, Emsam®, Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®, Zelapar.), potassium salts, water pills
Tell your doctor about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your doctor if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking spironolactone?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor as soon as possible:
Confusion, cough, hoarseness, dry mouth, increased thirst, enlarged breasts in males, fast or irregular heartbeat, palpitations, chest pain, fever, chills, lower back or side pain, nervousness, numbness or tingling in hands, feet, or lips, pain or difficulty passing urine, shortness of breath; difficult breathing, skin rash, itching, unusual bleeding, unusual tiredness or weakness, weakness or heaviness of legs
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor if they continue or are bothersome):
Breast tenderness in females, deepening of voice in females, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, increased hair growth in females, irregular menstrual periods, nausea, vomiting, sexual difficulty, inability to have an erection, stomach pain or cramps, indigestion.
What should I watch for while taking Aldactone?
Visit your doctor for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure regularly. Ask your doctor what your blood pressure should be. You must not get dehydrated, ask your doctor how much liquid you need to drink a day. Do not stop taking spironolactone except on your prescriber's advice.
Follow your diet while you are taking spironolactone. Ask your doctor about both potassium and sodium intake. Spironolactone can make your body hold potassium and you may have too much. Aged patients, the severely ill, diabetics, or patients with kidney problems are more likely to suffer from the effects of too much potassium. Avoid salt-substitutes and nutritional supplements which contain potassium, unless your doctor orders you other. Overmuch potassium can be very harmful. You may need to avoid foods that are high in potassium such as bananas, coconuts, dates, figs, prunes, apricots, peaches, grapefruit juice, tomato juice, and orange juice.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your doctor that you are taking spironolactone.
Where can I keep Aldactone?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
|
|
