DRUG TITLE

Aldactone (Spironolactone)

USE OF THE MEDICINE

Aldactone is used to treat swelling and fluid retention in patients with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, and kidney disease (nephrotic syndrome). It is also used to treat high blood pressure. The medicine can be used to treat or prevent low potassium in the blood. It can also be used to treat excess secretion of adrenal hormone aldosterone.

HOW TO USE THE MEDICINE

Use Aldactone according to your doctor`s prescription. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Take Aldactone orally with or without food. If there is discomfort in the stomach, take medication with food to reduce stomach irritation.

Aldactone can increase the amount of urine or cause you to urinate more often when you first start taking it. That it is not interrupted your sleep; try to take the drug until 6:00 pm.

THE MECHANISM OF ACTION

Aldactone  is a potassium-saving diuretic. It works by blocking the hormone aldosterone, causing the kidneys eliminate excess water, save potassium, and decreased blood pressure.

MISSED DOSE

If you forgot to take Aldactone, take it as soon as possible. If this happened at a time when you need to do next dose, skip the missed reception and return to your normal schedule the reception. Do not take 2 doses at once. If you missed more than one tablet, restart the medication and consult your doctor or pharmacist at their next meeting.

STORAGE

Store at room temperature Aldactone from 59 to 77 degrees F (15 and 25 degrees C) in a tightly closed container. Keep away from heat, moisture and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Aldactone away from children and pets.

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES

Do not use Aldactone if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient Aldactone
• you are unable to urinate, have severe kidney problems, or there is a high blood potassium levels
• you are taking potassium supplements to, other potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g. amiloride, triamterene), or another aldosterone-blocker (e.g., eplerenone)

Before using Aldactone:
Some medical conditions may interact with Aldactone. Tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following applies to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast-feeding;
• if you are taking any prescribed or non-prescription medicines, herbal preparations, or dietary supplements;
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods or other substances;
• if you have high acidity in body fluids, low blood sodium, high potassium levels in the blood, kidney, liver, heart disease, diabetes, or high urea or nitrogen in the blood;
• if you have menstrual disease.

SIDE EFFECTS

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people do not have them, or they are insignificant. Consult doctor if either common side effects do not pass or become worse:

Diarrhea, drowsiness, headache, nausea, cramping stomach, vomiting.

Call you doctor immediately if there is any of these serious side effects:
Severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, shortness of breath, chest tightness, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), black, tarry or bloody stools; change in the amount of urine, confusion, dark urine, decreased sexual ability; breast enlargement in men, irregular or missed menstrual period, pale stools, severe or persistent stomach pain, symptoms of abnormal fluid or electrolyte levels (e.g., fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat, increased thirst, muscle weakness, severe or persistent dry mouth, nausea or vomiting, severe or persistent dizziness or drowsiness, unusual tiredness or lethargy, tingling), yellowing of the skin or eyes.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

If you have any questions about Aldactone, please consult with your doctor.
Aldactone should be used by patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with others.
If symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.