Spironolactone – Oral, Aldactone
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: Spironolactone treats high blood pressure, preventing strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. It also treats swelling caused by certain conditions (e.g., congestive heart failure), removing excess fluid and improving breathing problems. Spironolactone is a "water pill" (potassium-sparing diuretic).
OTHER: This drug is used for unapproved conditions as prescribed by a healthcare professional. It has also been used to treat excessive hair growth in women with polycystic ovary disease.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor. If stomach upset occurs, take it with food or milk. Take your dose early in the day (before 6 p.m.) to prevent having to get up to urinate at night. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. In children, the dosage is based on body weight. Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. Use it at the same time(s) each day as directed. Continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose, take it more often than prescribed, or stop using this medicine without consulting your doctor. Your condition may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Inform your doctor if your condition worsens (e.g., if you notice an increase in routine blood pressure readings). SIDE EFFECTS: Drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or headache may occur. To minimize lightheadedness, get up slowly from a seated or lying position. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit outweighs the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: increased thirst, change in urine amount, mental/mood changes, unusual fatigue/weakness, muscle spasms, menstrual period changes, breast pain, breast enlargement (gynecomastia) in men, sexual function problems. This medication may lead to high potassium levels, especially in patients with kidney problems. Very high potassium levels can be fatal. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following unlikely but serious side effects: slow/irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), severe stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, dark urine, yellowing of the eyes/skin, easy bruising/bleeding. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you notice other effects not listed above. In the US, call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada, call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345. PRECAUTIONS: Before taking spironolactone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: high blood potassium, inability to urinate, kidney problems, liver problems, untreated mineral imbalance, decreased adrenal gland function. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication. This medication may increase your potassium levels. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes. Limit foods high in potassium. This drug may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially the effects on potassium. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication passes into breast milk but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding. DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. Keep a list of all the products you use and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: certain hormones, digoxin, lithium, mitotane, drugs that may increase potassium levels. Check the labels on all your medicines because they may contain ingredients that could increase your blood pressure or worsen swelling. This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests, possibly causing false results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug. OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. If you are taking this medication for high blood pressure, lifestyle changes such as stress reduction programs, exercise, and dietary changes may increase the effectiveness of this medicine. Have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking this medication. Discuss with your doctor and learn how to monitor your own blood pressure. Inform your doctor of your blood pressure readings. MISSED DOSE: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up. STORAGE: Store the US product at room temperature below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product. Information last revised January 2014. Copyright(c) 2014 First Databank, Inc.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.
CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. It is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
