Spironolactone

CAUTION:
Spironolactone has caused tumors in laboratory animals. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medicine for your condition.

General Information and Indications:

Spironolactone, a 'water pill,' is used to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention caused by various conditions, including heart disease. It causes the kidneys to eliminate unneeded water and salt from the body into the urine. Spironolactone is also used to treat certain patients with hyperaldosteronism and in certain patients with low potassium levels.

Information For Users:

Spironolactone comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day in the morning with breakfast or twice a day with breakfast and lunch. Follow the directions on your prescription label, ask your doctor or pharmacist If you have any questions. Take spironolactone exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your health care provider.

Spironolactone controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Continue taking spironolactone even if you feel well. Do not discontinue taking spironolactone without informing your doctor.
Other uses for this medicine

Spironolactone also is used in combination with other medicines to treat precocious puberty or myasthenia gravis. Spironolactone also may be used to treat certain female patients with abnormal facial hair. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medicine for your condition.

special precautions:

o Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have allergy to spironolactone, sulfa drugs, or any other medications.
o Inform your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially aspirin; captopril (Capoten); digoxin (Lanoxin); enalapril (Vasotec); lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); medications for arthritis, diabetes, or high blood pressure; potassium supplements; and vitamins. Do not take this medicine if you are taking amiloride or triamterene.
o inform your doctor if you are breast-feeding diabetes, gout, or kidney or liver disease.
o Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking spironolactone, call your doctor without delay.
o if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, Inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking spironolactone.
o you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
o remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

Follow your doctor's recommendations for a low-salt or low-sodium diet and daily exercise program. Avoid potassium-containing salt substitutes. Limit your intake of potassium-rich foods (e.g., bananas, prunes, raisins, and orange juice). Ask your doctor for advice on how much of these foods you may have.
What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose at the earliest possible moment. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Possible Adverse Effects:

Though adverse effects of spironolactone are not common, they could occur. Inform your doctor if any of the following symptoms are severe or do not go away:

o upset stomach
o vomiting
o diarrhea
o stomach pain
o frequent urination
o dizziness
o headache
o enlarged or painful breasts
o irregular menstrual periods
o drowsiness

If you have any of the following symptoms, call your doctor without delay:

o muscle weakness or cramps
o rapid severe weight loss
o fatigue
o slow or irregular heartbeat
o sore throat
o unusual bruising or bleeding
o yellowing of the skin or eyes, jaundice
o skin rash
o vomiting blood
o fever
o confusion

Brand Name(s):

o Aldactazide®
o Aldactone®