ALDACTONE (Spironolactone) Aldactone Information Aldactone is a drug with generic name Spironolactone. It is in a class of drugs called potassium-sparing diuretics (water pill). Aldactone Indications Aldactone is used to reduce the amount of fluid in the body without causing the loss of potassium. It may also be used to cure Edema and hypertension. Aldactone is also used to treat potassium deficiency and hyperaldosteronism. Aldactone Warnings Before taking Aldactone, inform your physician if you: * have kidney disease * have liver disease * have diabetes mellitus * have high levels of potassium in your blood * taking a potassium supplement or an angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor like captopril such as Capoten, benazepril such as Lotensin, lisinopril such as Prinivil or Zestril, enalapril such as Vasotec, or others. You may not be able to take Aldactone, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above. Aldactone and Pregnancy Aldactone is in the FDA pregnancy category D. Aldactone has properties that can damage an unborn baby. It is advised not to use Aldactone if you are pregnant. It is not known whether Aldactone flow into breast milk. If you are breast-feeding a baby, do not take Aldactone unless you have talked to your doctor. Aldactone Guidelines Take Aldactone exactly as directed by your doctor. Taking Aldactone early in the day can reduce urination during nighttime. Take Aldactone early in the day unless otherwise told by your doctor. Do not stop taking Aldactone suddenly even if you feel better. Condition might worsen when you suddenly stop taking Aldactone. Aldactone Dosage Treatment for Primary Hyperaldosteronism For three to four weeks, Aldactone is administered at a daily dosage of 400 mg for the long test. For the short test, Aldactone is administered at a daily dosage of 400 mg for four days. Aldactone may be administered in doses of 100 to 400 mg daily in preparation for surgery after the diagnosis of hyperaldosteronism has been established by more definitive testing procedures. Aldactone may be employed for long-term maintenance therapy at the lowest effective dosage determined for the individual patients who are considered unsuitable for surgery. Treatment for Edema in Adults Aldactone may be administered for an initial daily dosage of 100 mg, but may range from 25 to 200 mg daily. Aldactone should be continued for at least five days at the initial dosage level when given as the sole agent for diuresis. It may be adjusted to the optimal therapeutic or maintenance level administered in either single or divided daily doses. Aldactone dosage should remain unchanged when other diuretic therapy is added. Treatment for Essential Hypertension An initial daily dosage of 50 to 100 mg of Aldactone administered in either single or divided doses is recommended. Afterward, dosage may be adjusted according to the response of the patient. Treatment for Hypokalemia Aldactone in a dosage ranging from 25 mg to 100 mg daily is recommended. Aldactone Overdose Seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of Aldactone overdose include: * an irregular heartbeat * lethargy * fatigue * weakness * drowsiness * dizziness * confusion * shortness of breath * nausea * vomiting Aldactone Missed Dose Take the missed dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose as instructed. Do not take a double dose of this medication. Aldactone Side Effects Stop taking Aldactone and seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following serious side effects: * allergic reaction like: * difficulty in breathing * closing of your throat * swelling of your lips, tongue, or face * hives * irregular heartbeat * shortness of breath * fatigue * confusion * weakness * numbness * decreased urination Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue using Aldactone and consult your doctor if you experience: * unusual headache or dizziness * nausea * diarrhea or a decrease in appetite * dry mouth * bloating * muscle cramps * lowering of the voice * excessive hair growth * enlarged breasts Other side effects not listed here may also occur. Ask your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome. Aldactone Drug Reactions Before taking Aldactone tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medications: * lithium such as Lithobid or Eskalith * Probenecid such as Benemid * nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as: * ibuprofen such as Motrin, Advil or Nuprin * naproxen such as Naprosyn, Anaprox, or Aleve * ketoprofen such as Orudis, Orudis KT, or Oruvail * indomethacin such as Indocin * diclofenac such as Cataflam or Voltaren * etodolac such as Lodine * nabumetone such as Relafen * oxaprozin such as Daypro * piroxicam such as Feldene * sulindac such as Clinoril * tolmetin such as Tolectin * fenoprofen such as Nalfon * ketorolac such as Toradol * Flurbiprofen such as Ansaid * diabetes medication such as: * glipizide * glyburide * chlorpropamide * tolazamide * tolbutamide You may not be able to take Aldactone, or you may need to adjust your dosage or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medications listed above. Also, before taking Aldactone, tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicine to treat: * high blood pressure * water retention * heart problems * prostate problems Some medicines used to treat these conditions may interact with Aldactone and the effects on your heart may be increased. Drugs no listed here may also react with Aldactone. Tell your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.