Blood Pressure // Spironolactone (Aldactone)

Aldactone is used for:
Treating swelling and fluid retention inpatients with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis, or kidney problems (nephrotic syndrome). It is also used for treatment of high blood pressure. It may also be used to treat or prevent low blood potassium. It may also be used to treat excess secretion of the hormone aldosterone by the adrenal gland.Aldactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic. It works by blocking the hormone aldosterone, causing the kidney to eliminate excess water, save potassium, and lower blood pressure.

Aldactone is used for:
Treating swelling and fluid retention inpatients with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis, or kidney problems (nephrotic syndrome). It is also used for treatment of high blood pressure. It may also be used to treat or prevent low blood potassium. It may also be used to treat excess secretion of the hormone aldosterone by the adrenal gland.Aldactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic. It works by blocking the hormone aldosterone, causing the kidney to eliminate excess water, save potassium, and lower blood pressure.

How to use Aldactone:
Use Aldactone as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

    * Take Aldactone by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.
    * Aldactone may increase the amount of urine or cause you to urinate more often when you first start taking it. To keep this from disturbing your sleep, try to take your dose before 6 pm.
    * If you miss a dose of Aldactone , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once. If more than one dose is missed, restart the medication and advise your doctor or pharmacist at your next appointment.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Aldactone.

Possible side effects of Aldactone:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

    * Abdominal cramping; change in sexual ability; clumsiness; confusion; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; headache; frequent urination; nausea; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

    * Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); breast tenderness; deepening of voice; dry mouth; enlarged breasts in men; excessive thirst; irregular or lack of menstrual periods; skin rash; slow, irregular, or fast heartbeat; ulcers; unusual muscle weakness; unusual tiredness.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider.

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