Spironolactone



AldactoneŽ







Spironolactone

(speer on oh LAK tone)

U.S. Brand Names
AldactoneŽ
Canadian Brand Names
AldactoneŽ; Novo-Spiroton
Mexican Brand Names
AldactoneŽ; Aldactone-AŽ
Pharmacologic Category
Diuretic, Potassium-Sparing; Selective Aldosterone Blocker
What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
  • Spironolactone can cause tumors in animals. These were long-term studies using larger doses than would be used in humans.
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to spironolactone or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have any of the following conditions: High potassium levels or kidney disease.
  • If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to get rid of extra fluid.
  • This medicine is used to increase potassium stores in the body.
  • This medicine is used to improve a weakened heart.
  • This medicine is used to treat acne.
How does it work?
  • Spironolactone prevents potassium loss.
  • It reduces production of a secretion from skin glands.
How is it best taken?
  • Take this medicine with food.
  • A liquid (suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Shake well before use.
  • Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.
  • Follow diet plan and exercise program as recommended by healthcare provider.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • If you are taking this medicine for acne, you should be at least 15 years of age.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Avoid potassium-containing salt substitutes, potassium-sparing diuretics, and potassium supplements.
  • Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).
  • Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • High potassium level. Signs include feeling weak, lightheaded, dizzy, feel like passing out, or have numbness or tingling.
  • Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Change in sexual ability or desire. This is usually reversible.
  • For females, breast tenderness or deepening of voice.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Check blood pressure and heart rate regularly.
  • Check blood work (potassium). Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Severe dizziness or passing out.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Severe diarrhea.
  • For females, menstrual changes. These include lots of bleeding, spotting, or bleeding between cycles.
  • For males, enlarged breasts.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store tablets at room temperature.
  • Protect tablets from light.
  • Protect tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
  • Store liquid (suspension) in a refrigerator. Throw away any unused portion after expiration date on bottle.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: