Aldactone

Aldactone

     * Generic Name: spironolactone
     * Brand Name: Aldactone


     * What is spironolactone (Aldactone, CaroSpir)?
     * What are the possible side effects of spironolactone
       (Aldactone, CaroSpir)?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       spironolactone (Aldactone, CaroSpir)?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       spironolactone (Aldactone, CaroSpir)?
     * How should I take spironolactone (Aldactone, CaroSpir)?
     * What happens if I miss a dose (Aldactone, CaroSpir)?
     * What happens if I overdose (Aldactone, CaroSpir)?
     * What should I avoid while taking spironolactone (Aldactone,
       CaroSpir)?
     * What other drugs will affect spironolactone (Aldactone,
       CaroSpir)?
     * Where can I get more information (Aldactone, CaroSpir)?

What is spironolactone (Aldactone, CaroSpir)?

   Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic (water pill)
   that prevents your body from absorbing too much salt and keeps your
   potassium levels from getting too low.

   Spironolactone is used to treat heart failure, high blood
   pressure (hypertension), or hypokalemia (low potassium
   levels in the blood).

   Spironolactone also treats fluid retention (edema) in people with
   congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, or a kidney
   disorder called nephrotic syndrome.

   Spironolactone is also used to diagnose or treat a condition in which
   you have too much aldosterone in your body. Aldosterone is a
   hormone produced by your adrenal glands to help regulate the salt and
   water balance in your body.

   Spironolactone may also be used for purposes not listed in this
   medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of spironolactone (Aldactone, CaroSpir)?

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
   hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
   throat.

   Stop using spironolactone and call your doctor at once if you have:
     * a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
     * little or no urination;
     * signs of stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up
       blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
     * low potassium--uneven heart rate, extreme thirst, increased
       urination, leg discomfort, muscle weakness or limp feeling; or
     * signs of other electrolyte imbalances--vomiting, muscle
       spasms or contractions, numbness or tingly feeling, slow heart
       rate, weak pulse, headache, confusion, slurred speech,
       severe weakness, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady.

   Common side effects may include:
     * mild nausea or vomiting, diarrhea;
     * breast swelling or tenderness;
     * dizziness, headache, mild drowsiness;
     * leg cramps; or
     * impotence, difficulty having an erection.

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about spironolactone
(Aldactone, CaroSpir)?

   You should not use spironolactone if you have kidney problems, high
   levels of potassium in your blood, Addison's disease, if you are
   unable to urinate, or if you are also taking eplerenone.

   Spironolactone has caused tumors in animals but it is not known whether
   this could occur in people. Do not use this medicine for any condition
   that has not been checked by your doctor.

   Aldactone Patient Information including How Should I Take
   High Blood Pressure: Learn About Hypertension

   High Blood Pressure Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Take the Salt Quiz!
   Lowering Blood Pressure:Exercise Tips for Getting Started

   Lowering Blood Pressure Exercise Tips Pictures

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
spironolactone (Aldactone, CaroSpir)?

   You should not use spironolactone if you are allergic to it, or if you
   have:
     * Addison's disease (an adrenal gland disorder);
     * high levels of potassium in your blood (hyperkalemia);
     * if you are unable to urinate; or
     * if you are also taking eplerenone.

   To make sure spironolactone is safe for you, tell your doctor if you
   have ever had:
     * an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of magnesium in
       your blood);
     * kidney disease;
     * liver disease; or
     * heart disease.

   In animal studies, spironolactone caused certain types of tumors. It is
   not known whether tumors could occur in people using this medicine. Ask
   your doctor about your risk.

   It is not known whether spironolactone will harm an unborn baby. Tell
   your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

   Spironolactone can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby.
   You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

How should I take spironolactone (Aldactone, CaroSpir)?

   Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may
   occasionally change your dose. Do not use this medicine in larger or
   smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

   Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the
   same symptoms you have.

   You may take spironolactone with or without food, but take it the same
   way each time.

   While using spironolactone, you may need frequent blood tests.

   This medication can cause unusual results with certain medical tests.
   Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using spironolactone.

   If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are
   using spironolactone. You may need to stop using the medicine for a
   short time.

   If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this
   medication even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no
   symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of
   your life.

   Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture.

   Aldactone Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   High Blood Pressure: Learn About Hypertension

   High Blood Pressure Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Take the Salt Quiz!
   Lowering Blood Pressure:Exercise Tips for Getting Started

   Lowering Blood Pressure Exercise Tips Pictures

What happens if I miss a dose (Aldactone, CaroSpir)?

   Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
   it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
   medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Aldactone, CaroSpir)?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking spironolactone (Aldactone, CaroSpir)?

   Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of spironolactone.

   Do not use salt substitutes or low-sodium milk products that contain
   potassium. These products could cause your potassium levels to get too
   high while you are taking spironolactone.

   Avoid a diet high in salt. Too much salt will cause your body to
   retain water and can make this medication less effective.

   Spironolactone may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you
   drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Avoid getting up
   too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get
   up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.

   Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot
   weather. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of
   liquids you should drink. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can
   be as unsafe as not drinking enough.

What other drugs will affect spironolactone (Aldactone, CaroSpir)?

   Taking this medicine with other drugs that make you dizzy or lower your
   blood pressure can worsen these effects. Ask your doctor before taking
   a sleeping pill, opioid pain medicine, a muscle relaxer, or
   medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

   Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or
   stop using, especially:
     * cholestyramine, digoxin, lithium, trimethoprim;
     * heart or blood pressure medicine (especially another diuretic);
     * medicine to prevent a blood clot; or
     * NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)--aspirin, ibuprofen
       (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib,
       diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

   This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with
   spironolactone, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines,
   vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed
   in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information (Aldactone, CaroSpir)?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about spironolactone.
     __________________________________________________________________

   Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of
   children, never share your medicines with others, and use this
   medication only for the indication prescribed.
   Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by
   Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete,
   but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained
   herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for
   use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and
   therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United
   States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise.
   Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or
   recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational
   resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring
   for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a
   supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill,
   knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a
   warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be
   construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe,
   effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume
   any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the
   aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is
   not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions,
   warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If
   you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your
   doctor, nurse or pharmacist.