Drug Uses

Aldactone treats conditions when there is too much aldosterone in your body. Aldosterone regulates the salt and water balance in your body and is a hormone produced by adrenal glands. The water pill (potassium-sparing diuretic) does several things including keeping your potassium levels low by preventing your body from absorbing too much salt. An active ingredient in the drug is spironolactone. Aldactone treats swelling (edema), high blood pressure (hypertension), hormonal disorders (hyperaldosteronism) and potassium deficiencies.

How Taken

Aldactone comes in the form of an oral tablet that is usually taken twice a day in the morning and afternoon with food. Take Aldactone exactly as prescribed and do not alter doses.

Warnings/Precautions

Inform you doctor about your medical history especially if you have liver disease, kidney disease, high levels of potassium or diabetes mellitus. Tell your doctor if you are taking potassium supplements or an angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor (ACE inhibitor). You may need to adjust your doses or be specially monitored. As Aldactone is the FDA pregnancy category D, it is harmful to an unborn baby so do not take this medication if you are pregnant. Use caution if breastfeeding as it may pass through breast milk.

Missed Dose

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for your net dose, skip the last one completely.

Possible Side Effects

Side effects indicated with use of Aldactone include shortness of breath, fatigue, confusion, weakness, tingling, numbness, irregular heartbeat, decreased urination, irregular heartbeat and an allergic reaction (closing throat, swollen lips, tongue or face, hives, breathing difficulty). Contact your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. Other less serious side effects include dry mouth, bloating, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, unusual headache, excessive hair growth, enlarged breasts, and lowered voice or muscle cramps.

Storage

Aldactone should be kept in a tightly closed container and stored at room temperature away from children and excess heat. Outdated medication should be dispersed.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose occurs. The following symptoms may indicate an overdose – diarrhea, drowsiness, mental confusion, vomiting, nausea or dizziness.