Indications
Aldactone (Spironolactone) is a diuretic medicine used to treat several different conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart failure, and kidney disease. Spironolactone works by preventing the body from absorbing too much salt and keeping the right balance of fluids in the body. It is also used for hirsutism, which is an abnormal hair growth pattern in women.
Spironolactone is a medication used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. By lowering high blood pressure, Aldactone helps reduce the risk of strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems, and treating edema caused by certain conditions such as heart failure and liver disease.
Aldactone works by removing excess fluid, thus improving symptoms such as breathing problems. Also, it helps regulate levels of aldosterone, a natural substance produced in excess in some conditions. Spironolactone is also known as a "water pill" or potassium-sparing diuretic.
Uses and Dosage
Aldactone comes in the form of a tablet and is usually taken orally with food or milk to avoid stomach upset. Take Spironolactone regularly to get the maximum benefit from it, and to take it at the same time each day as directed. Even if you feel well, keep taking the medication, as most people with high blood pressure do not experience any symptoms.
The dosage strength and duration of Aldactone will vary depending on the condition it is being used to treat.
- For congestive heart failure, a dosage of 25 to 50 mg tablets taken orally daily is usually recommended,
- For hypertension, a dosage of 50 to 100 mg daily is usually prescribed.
- For hypokalemia and edema, your doctor may start you off with a lower dose of 25 mg orally and increase the dosage if necessary. These dosages will last for two weeks or until the symptoms are cleared.
- In cases of primary hyperaldosteronism that require surgery, the highest dose of Aldactone may be prescribed, with doses of 100 mg up to 400 mg per day.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Aldactone Include:
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Itching
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
- Rapid weight loss
- Shortness of breath
- Skin rash
Allergic Reaction of Aldactone May Include:
Serious Side Effects of Aldactone Include:
- Anemia: Fatigue, low energy, pale skin, redness in the extremities, generalized weakness, shortness of breath.
- Cardiovascular Events: Chest pain, difficulty breathing (stop taking drug immediately and contact your doctor).
- Confusion
- Electrolyte Deficiency: Weakness, drowsiness, muscle pain, cramps, and twitches; irregular heartbeats.
- Kidney Disorders: Change in urination frequency, nausea, vomiting, swelling of hands and feet, fatigue.
- Liver Disorders: Jaundice, darkened urine, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite.
- Low Blood-Potassium Levels: Muscle weakness, general fatigue, irregular heartbeats.
- Pain and swelling in the breast (dangerous for men)
- Pancreatic Inflammation: Dyspepsia, abdominal pain when lying down, nausea, vomiting.
- Stomach Ulcers: burning pain in the gut, dyspepsia, vomiting.
- Vomiting blood
- Epidermal Necrolysis: Peeling of the skin, notably on the face near the mouth and eyes (stop taking drug immediately and contact your doctor).
- Allergic Reactions: Rashes, hives, swelling of the face, difficulty breathing (stop taking drug immediately and contact your doctor).
- Menstrual problems, including irregular periods and bleeding after menopause
- Sexual dysfunction, such as reduced sex drive
Form and Strength
Aldactone and its generic alternative of Spironolactone are available in the following forms and strengths.
Aldactone: Tablet
- 25 mg
- 50 mg
- 100 mg
Spironolactone: Tablet
- 25 mg
- 50 mg
- 100 mg
Caution
- Aldactone may cause dizziness or drowsiness and can be further affected using alcohol or marijuana (cannabis). Caution to not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires alertness until you can safely do so.
- If you are taking Aldactone and are interested in becoming pregnant, talk to your doctor first. Your doctor may recommend that you switch to a different medication to treat your condition, as Aldactone can cause birth defects and other serious health problems if taken while pregnant.
- Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are taking any medication without first consulting your care team. Some medications, such as those used to treat high blood pressure, may increase your blood pressure if taken without the advice of a doctor or other healthcare provider.
- If you experience severe diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or excessive sweating, you should contact your care team immediately. Loss of too much body fluid can be dangerous, and your care team may need to adjust your dosage or recommend a different medication to ensure your safety.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long can I take Aldactone?
Treatment with ALDACTONE should be continued for at least two weeks since the maximum response may not occur before this time. Subsequently, dosage should be adjusted according to the response of the patient.
What happens when you stop Aldactone?
Talk to your doctor if you want to stop taking spironolactone. If you stop it too soon, your condition may get worse. If you're taking it for oedema, stopping it can cause fluid to build up in your body again.
Should I take spironolactone at night or morning?
You should take spironolactone once a day in the morning. However, if you are taking a high dose, you may need to take it twice a day. If you are taking it twice a day, make sure that you take the second dose no later than 4pm, as taking it later than this may cause you to wake up in the night to pee.
Can Aldactone be taken for long term?
The long-term use of spironolactone in the treatment of acne in women appears to be safe. Side effects, however, are common, although not usually a cause for stopping the drug.
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