Drug Uses

Aldactone falls into a class of drugs known as potassium-sparing diuretics (water pills). This medicine is used to decrease the amount of fluid in the body without losing any potassium. Aldactone is indicated for the treatment of edema (swelling) and hypertension (high blood pressure. This drug may also be used for the treatment of potassium deficiency and hyperaldosteronism (a hormonal disorder).

How Taken

Aldactone is in the form of tablets and is taken orally. The common dosage is one tablet a day in the morning, taken with breakfast, or two tablets a day, taken with breakfast and lunch. You should follow the instructions on the label very carefully and you should talk to your doctor if you have any question. Take the medicine exactly as instructed; do not take more or less tablets and do not take the drug more often than prescribed. You should know that Aldactone does not cure hypertension, it can only control it. Do not discontinue the usage of Aldactone even if you feel better. Consult your doctor before you stop using Aldactone.

Warnings/Precautions

Consult your doctor before taking Aldactone in case you have kidney disease; have liver disease; have diabetes mellitus; have high levels of potassium in your blood; or are taking a potassium supplement or an angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor (ACE inhibitor). If you suffer from any of the above-mentioned medical conditions, you may not been able to use Aldactone or your dosage may have to be adjusted, or you may have to be monitored during the treatment. Aldactone falls into the FDA pregnancy category D which means that this drug is known to be harmful for a fetus. Do not take Aldactone during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using the drug in case you are breast feeding because it is not known if Aldactone may pass into breast milk.

Missed Dose

In case you miss a dose, take the missed tablet as soon as you remember. However, if it is already time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and take the regular dose. Do not take a double dose to catch up the missed one.

Possible Side Effects

Discontinue the usage of Aldactone and immediately search for medical help in case you have any of these serious side effects: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); an irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, fatigue, confusion, weakness, numbness, or tingling (caused by high levels of potassium in your blood); or decreased urination. Aldactone may also cause other less serious side effects. Continue using the medicine and inform your doctor if you have unusual headache or dizziness; nausea, diarrhea, or a decrease in appetite; dry mouth; bloating; muscle cramps; or lowering of the voice, excessive hair growth, or enlarged breasts. You may also experience other adverse effects that are not mentioned in this leaflet. Consult your doctor if you experience some other side effects.

Storage

Aldactone should be kept in its original tightly closed container. Keep the medicine away from children. Aldactone should be stored at a room temperature, away from heat and moisture (avoid storing it in the bathroom). Throw away any unused or outdated medicine. Consult your doctor about the proper disposal of the medicine.

Overdose

Symptoms that signal an overdose of Aldactone include drowsiness, mental confusion, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or diarrhea. Immediately search for medical help in case of an overdose.

More Information

Aldactone, combined with other medicines, may also be used for the treatment of precocious puberty or myasthenia gravis. It may also be used to treat abnormal hair in females. Discuss the possible risk of using Aldactone to treat your medical condition.

Disclaimer

This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.