WARNING

Taking Aldactone (spironolactone) carries several risks, including:

• Hyperkalemia: Elevated potassium levels can lead to heart problems, muscle weakness, and fatigue.
• Kidney Issues: Potential for kidney dysfunction or fluid imbalances.
• Allergic Reactions: Risk of rash, swelling, or severe allergic responses.
• Hormonal Effects: Possible side effects include gynecomastia (breast enlargement in men) and menstrual irregularities.
• Electrolyte Imbalance: Imbalance of electrolytes can cause dizziness or irregular heartbeats.

Regular monitoring and following medical guidance can help manage these risks.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Aldactone (spironolactone) is a medication with several uses, primarily related to its role as a potassium-sparing diuretic. It’s often prescribed for:

• High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Helps to lower blood pressure.
• Heart Failure: Reduces fluid buildup and helps the heart work more efficiently.
• Edema: Treats fluid retention caused by conditions like liver cirrhosis or kidney disease.
• Hyperaldosteronism: Manages conditions where the adrenal glands produce too much aldosterone.
• Primary Hyperaldosteronism: A condition where the adrenal glands produce excess aldosterone, leading to high blood pressure and low potassium levels.

It’s important to use Aldactone under medical supervision, as it can affect potassium levels and may have interactions with other medications.

How should this medicine be used?

Aldactone (spironolactone) should be used according to your healthcare provider’s instructions. Here are some general guidelines for its use:

• Dosage: Follow the dosage prescribed by your healthcare provider. It’s typically taken once or twice daily, with or without food.
• Timing: Take the medication at the same times each day to help remember. If you’re prescribed it more than once a day, try to space the doses evenly.
• Swallowing: Take the tablet with a full glass of water. If you’re using the liquid form, measure the dose carefully using the provided measuring device.
• Monitoring: Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider are important to monitor your blood pressure, kidney function, and potassium levels.
• Avoid High-Potassium Foods: Since Aldactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, avoid consuming high-potassium foods or salt substitutes containing potassium unless advised otherwise by your healthcare provider.
• Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but skip it if it’s almost time for your next dose. Don’t double up to make up for a missed dose.
• Avoid Dehydration: Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, but follow your provider’s guidance on fluid intake.

If you experience any unusual symptoms or side effects, contact your healthcare provider. They can provide specific guidance based on your individual health needs.

Other uses for this medicine

Besides its primary uses, Aldactone (spironolactone) can have other applications, including:

• Treatment of Acne: Due to its anti-androgenic effects, it may be prescribed for acne in women, especially when other treatments have failed.
• Management of Hirsutism: Helps reduce excessive hair growth in women.
• Treatment of Male Pattern Baldness: Sometimes used off-label for this purpose.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special Precautions for Aldactone:

• Potassium Levels: Monitor potassium levels regularly, as Aldactone can increase potassium levels in the blood, leading to hyperkalemia. Avoid potassium-rich foods and supplements unless directed otherwise by your healthcare provider.
• Kidney Function: Regularly check kidney function, as Aldactone can affect kidney performance. Your doctor may order blood tests to monitor this.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Inform your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Aldactone may not be recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Drug Interactions: Be cautious with other medications, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal products. Aldactone can interact with various medications, including certain blood pressure medications, NSAIDs, and some antidepressants.
• Electrolyte Imbalance: Watch for symptoms of electrolyte imbalance, such as dizziness, confusion, or irregular heartbeats, and report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider.
• Medical Conditions: Inform your healthcare provider about any other medical conditions you have, such as diabetes, liver disease, or heart disease, as these may affect how Aldactone is used or increase the risk of side effects.
• Avoid Alcohol: Limit alcohol intake, as it can exacerbate side effects and affect your body’s ability to regulate fluid balance.
• Stay Hydrated: Maintain adequate fluid intake to help avoid dehydration, but follow your provider’s advice regarding fluid restrictions or modifications.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s specific instructions and reach out to them if you have any questions or concerns about using Aldactone.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

• Limit Potassium Intake: Since Aldactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, avoid high-potassium foods (such as bananas, oranges, and tomatoes) and potassium-containing salt substitutes unless your healthcare provider advises otherwise.
• Maintain Fluid Balance: Drink fluids as recommended by your healthcare provider, but avoid excessive amounts, which can lead to complications.
• Follow Diet Recommendations: Adhere to any specific dietary recommendations given by your healthcare provider, especially if you have conditions that require dietary modifications.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

• Take It as Soon as You Remember: If you realize you’ve missed a dose and it’s still relatively close to the scheduled time, take it as soon as possible.
• Skip the Missed Dose: If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Don’t double up to make up for a missed dose.
• Contact Your Healthcare Provider: If you’re unsure about what to do or if you miss doses frequently, contact your healthcare provider for guidance.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Aldactone (spironolactone) can cause various side effects, some of which may require medical attention. Here are common and serious side effects associated with the medication:

Common Side Effects:

• Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Especially when standing up quickly.
• Headache: May occur as your body adjusts to the medication.
• Gastrointestinal Issues: Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or weak.
• Menstrual Irregularities: Changes in menstrual cycle or spotting.

Serious Side Effects:

• Hyperkalemia: High potassium levels, which can cause symptoms like irregular heartbeats, muscle weakness, or fatigue.
• Kidney Problems: Symptoms like swelling, weight gain, or changes in urine output.
• Severe Allergic Reactions: Rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
• Gynecomastia: Enlargement of breast tissue in men.
• Hepatic Effects: Liver-related symptoms such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) or dark urine.
• Breast Tenderness or Pain: In both men and women.
• Confusion or Mental Changes: Unusual changes in mood or mental status.
• Skin Reactions: Severe rash or peeling skin.

If you experience any of these serious side effects or symptoms that concern you, contact your healthcare provider immediately. For less severe side effects, consult your provider to discuss whether any adjustments to your treatment are necessary.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and Disposal of Aldactone:

• Storage:
  • Store Aldactone at room temperature, typically between 68°F and 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
  • Keep it in a tightly closed container to protect it from moisture and light.
  • Store it out of reach of children and pets.
• Disposal:
  • Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so by specific disposal guidelines.
  • Dispose of unused or expired medication at a drug take-back program or pharmacy with a medication disposal program.
  • If no take-back program is available, mix the medication with an undesirable substance (like used coffee grounds or kitty litter), place it in a sealed plastic bag, and dispose of it in your household trash.

In case of emergency/overdose

• Symptoms of Overdose: Symptoms may include severe dizziness, fainting, irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, or confusion.
• Immediate Care: Seek emergency medical help right away if you suspect an overdose or experience severe symptoms.
• Poison Control: Contact your local poison control center for guidance on what to do in the event of an overdose.

What other information should I know?

• Follow Instructions: Always follow the dosing instructions provided by your healthcare provider. Do not adjust the dose or frequency without consulting them.
• Regular Check-Ups: Regularly visit your healthcare provider for monitoring of potassium levels, kidney function, and overall health.
• Medication List: Keep an updated list of all medications you are taking and share it with your healthcare provider to avoid potential interactions.
• Medical History: Inform your healthcare provider of your complete medical history and any other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
• Alert Medical Personnel: Inform any medical personnel or emergency responders that you are taking Aldactone, especially if you are receiving treatments that might be affected by it.

If you have any specific concerns or questions about your treatment with Aldactone, it’s always best to consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.