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Aldactazide Consumer Information

ALDACTAZIDE

Generic Name: hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone (hye dro klor oh THYE a zide/speer on oh LAK tone)

Brand Names: Aldactazide, Spironolactone Plus

What is the most important information I should know about hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone?

• To reduce nighttime urination, take hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone before 6 p.m. and preferably in the morning.
• Take hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone with food or milk to lessen stomach upset.
• Do not use salt substitutes or low-sodium milk products that contain potassium while taking hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone. These products could cause very high levels of potassium in your blood. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about any salt substitutes you are taking.
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.

What is hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone?

• Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill). It decreases the amount of fluid in your body by increasing the amount of salt and water you lose in your urine.
• Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic (water pill). It is used to reduce the amount of fluid in the body without causing the loss of potassium.
• Hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone is used to treat edema (swelling) and hypertension (high blood pressure).
• Hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone?

• Do not take hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone if you
• have an allergy to sulfa-based drugs such as sulfa antibiotics,
• have severe kidney disease,
• have high levels of potassium in your blood (hyperkalemia); or
• are taking another diuretic that helps you retain potassium such as triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide) or spironolactone (Midamor).
• Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
• liver disease,
• high levels of triglycerides or cholesterol (types of fat) in your blood,
• kidney stones,
• gout, or
• diabetes.
• You may not be able to take hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
• Hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone can harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
• Hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Do not take hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
• If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone. You may require a lower dose of this medication.

How should I take hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone?

• Take hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water.
• Take hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone with food or milk to lessen stomach upset.
• To reduce nighttime urination, take hydrochlorothiazide-spironolactone before 6 p.m. and preferably in the morning.
• Hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone should begin working about 4 to 6 hours after you take it, but it may be a few weeks before you see an improvement in your condition.
• Do not stop taking hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone suddenly even if you feel better. Stopping suddenly could make your condition much worse.
• Store hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

• Seek emergency medical attention.
• Symptoms of a hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone overdose include dizziness, fainting, nausea, and vomiting.

What should I avoid while taking hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone?

• Do not use salt substitutes or low-sodium milk products that contain potassium while taking hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone. These products could cause very high levels of potassium in your blood. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about any salt substitutes you are taking.
• Avoid a diet high in salt. Too much salt will cause your body to retain water and will decrease the effects of hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Hydrochlorothiazide may increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.
• Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone.
• Avoid becoming overheated during exercise and in hot weather. Overheating can lead to dehydration while taking hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone.
• Tell your doctor and dentist that you are taking this medication before having surgery.