Aldactone (Spironolactone)

Aldactone (Spironolactone) Product Information

Aldactone is a water pill that is provided to keep the potassium levels from becoming too low and stopping the body from absorbing a lot of salt. It can also be  used to treat congestive heart failure, and high blood pressure.

What is Aldactone used for?

Aldactone is designed for people with fluid retention problems and is a potassium-sparing water pill that could keep your system from taking up excess salt. It will also help keep your potassium levels normal and manage your high blood pressure.

Aldactone is also indicated for treatment of heart failure or hypokalemia, a condition involving low levels of potassium salt. People who have edema because of liver cirrhosis, congestive heart failure or a kidney problem called nephritic syndrome can also take Aldactone.

In addition to these uses, Aldactone may be prescribed when one has excess aldosterone hormone in their body. A hormone released by the adrenal glands, Aldosterone works by regulating the levels of salt and water.

Directions

Taking Aldactone the way your doctor prescribes it is greatly recommended. Hence, you should take it in the right dosage and for the period recommended by the doctor. If need be, your doctor will personally alter your dosage. As you take Aldactone, ensure that you either eat or take it in an empty stomach; both are fine.

As with other diuretics, you might have to endure doing several blood tests to check if the medicine is working properly. When waiting to undergo certain lab tests or surgery, make sure the medical professionals you are dealing with know that you are on Aldactone.

If you need this medicine to treat high blood pressure, it is really necessary to keep taking it. Stopping it could worsen this condition, which may have to be treated for a lifetime.

Strive to always take your medication on time. However, if you forget to take it, consume it the soonest you can recall as long as you are not nearly taking the next scheduled dose.

Side Effects

When taking Aldactone, there is likely to be side effects experienced. Some of these are well-tolerated and easy to cope with while the rest are not. The following are common side effects:

• Leg cramping
• Erectile dysfunction or having a difficulty achieving an erection
• Feeling dizzy or sleepy
• Having nausea, vomiting and or diarrhea
• Breast tenderness or swelling

If you notice severe side effects, such as stomach bleeding signs (blood in urine or stool and coughing up or vomiting blood), low potassium or low electrolyte signs like leg discomfort, muscle weakness, and uneven heartbeat, get in touch with your doctor.

Precautions

If your doctor wants you to begin taking Aldactone, it’s important to ensure that you do it safely and successfully. To do this, you need to first of all tell your doctor about the following:

• Hyperkalemia (high levels of potassium in the blood)
• Addison’s disease
• Inability to urinate properly
• Your allergy to spironolactone
• That you are taking eplerenone
• That you suffer from kidney disease, heart disease or liver disease
• Your pregnancy or plans to conceive
• Low electrolyte levels
• As Aldactone can seep into the breast milk and cause harm to the baby, don’t take it if you are breastfeeding

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