What is Aldactone/Spironolactone used for?

This medicine is used to manage certain conditions caused by abnormal electrolyte balance. It is also used to manage swelling and fluid retention in patients with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis, kidney problems, high blood pressure, and low potassium levels.

If you have any questions about your medicine, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider. This medicine is only to be used by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not give it to others. This information is advisory only. It does not contain all information about this medicine. If you have any questions about your medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

How should Aldactone/Spironolactone be stored?

Store below 77 degrees F.

General drug information:

When should Aldactone/Spironolactone not be taken?

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine you have severe kidney problems you have high potassium levels in your blood

What precautions should I follow when taking Aldactone/Spironolactone?

Before using this medicine, tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding if you are taking any prescription medicine (especially NSAIDs [eg, indomethacin] or lithium), nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement if you have liver problems if you have any other medical condition

What special warning(s) should I be aware of when taking Aldactone/Spironolactone?

This medicine has been shown to cause tumors in laboratory animals. This medicine should only be used for the conditions for which it is indicated. Avoid unnecessary use of this medicine.

What are the side effects of Aldactone/Spironolactone?

Most severe:  Ulcers; allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue).

Most common:  Frequent urination; diarrhea; clumsiness; confusion; headache; breast enlargement in males; nausea; vomiting.

Other:  Impotence; irregular menses; absence of menstruation; stomach pain; inflammation of the stomach; postmenopausal bleeding; abnormal skin sensations; muscle weakness; tiredness; inability to move hands, legs, or feet; slow heartbeat; shock (pale skin); dry mouth; thirst; weakness; lack of energy; drowsiness; restlessness; muscle pain or cramps; muscle weakness; dizziness; infrequent urination; fast heartbeat; cramps; flushing; fever.

How should I take Aldactone/Spironolactone?

How much medicine you take and how often you take it depends on many factors, including the condition being treated and the age and weight of the patient. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of the medicine you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Carefully read the information provided with this medicine and reread it each time you get this prescription refilled. Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your health care provider. Avoid taking potassium supplements and eating foods that contain high levels of potassium, including salt substitutes. Contact your health care provider at once if any of the following signs of fluid and electrolyte imbalance occur: Dry mouth; thirst; weakness; lack of energy; drowsiness; restlessness; muscle pain or cramps; muscle weakness; dizziness; infrequent urination; fast heartbeat; nausea; vomiting. Stop using this medicine and contact your health care provider at once if any of the following signs of high potassium levels in the blood occur: Abnormal skin sensations; muscle weakness; tiredness; inability to move hands, legs, or feet; slow heartbeat; shock (pale skin). This medicine may cause dizziness. Use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness, coordination, or physical dexterity. Lab tests will be required while taking this medication. Be sure to keep appointments. Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking this medicine. Do not stop taking this medication without checking with your doctor. Do not take more medicine than prescribed unless advised to do so by your doctor or health care provider. Contact your health care provider at once if you feel you have taken too much of this medicine. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your doctor. This includes any herbal preparations or dietary supplements. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed, restart medication and advise your doctor or pharmacist at your next appointment.