This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Aldactone Consumer Information
ALDACTONE
Generic Name: spironolactone (speer oh no LAK tone)
Brand Names: Aldactone, Spironol
What is the most important information I should know about spironolactone?
- To reduce nighttime urination, take spironolactone early in the day unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
- Take spironolactone with food or milk to lessen stomach upset.
- Do not use salt substitutes or low-sodium milk products that contain potassium while taking spironolactone. These products could cause high levels of potassium in your blood. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about any salt substitutes you are taking.
What is spironolactone?
- Spironolactone is in a class of drugs called potassium-sparing diuretics (water pill). It is used to reduce the amount of fluid in your body without causing the loss of potassium.
- Spironolactone is used to treat edema (swelling) and hypertension (high blood pressure).
- Spironolactone is also used to treat potassium deficiency and hyperaldosteronism (a hormonal disorder).
- Spironolactone may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Who should not take spironolactone?
- Before taking spironolactone, tell your doctor if 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) such as captopril (Capoten), benazepril (Lotensin), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), enalapril (Vasotec), or others.
- You may not be able to take spironolactone, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
- Spironolactone is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that spironolactone is known to harm an unborn baby. Do not take spironolactone if you are pregnant.
- It is not known whether spironolactone passes into breast milk. Do not take spironolactone without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take spironolactone?
- Take 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 spironolactone with food or milk to lessen stomach upset.
- To reduce nighttime urination, take spironolactone early in the day unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
- Do not stop taking spironolactone suddenly even if you feel better. Stopping suddenly could make your condition worse.
- Store 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 dose, skip the dose you missed and take only your next regularly scheduled dose as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention.
- Symptoms of a spironolactone overdose include an irregular heartbeat, lethargy, fatigue, weakness, drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, shortness of breath, nausea, and vomiting.
What should I avoid while taking spironolactone?
- Do not use salt substitutes or low-sodium milk products that contain potassium while taking spironolactone. These products could cause high levels of potassium in your blood. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about any salt substitutes you are taking.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.