Aldactone (Spironolactone)

Do's

• Take Aldactone by mouth as directed by a healthcare provider. 
• Take the dose with food or milk If stomach upset occurs. 
• Take the dose early in the day (before 6 p.m.) to prevent having to get up during the night to urinate. 
• Consult a healthcare provider if there are any questions. 
• Shake the liquid form of Aldactone well before each dose. 
• Measure the dose carefully using a special measuring device/spoon. 
• Take the liquid form of Aldactone with or without food but choose one way and take it the same way with every dose. 
• Take the medication regularly to derive the most benefit from it, even if you feel well. 
• Take Aldactone exactly as prescribed. 
• Take frequent medical tests as this medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. 
• Inform any healthcare provider treating you that you are using Aldactone. 
• Start with the lowest initial dose and titrate slowly in patients with cirrhosis. 
• Adjust dosage if hyperkalemia develops. 

Don'ts

• Don't increase the dose, take Aldactone more often than prescribed, or stop using it without consulting a healthcare provider as abruptly stopping the medication can worsen the condition. 
• Don't use a household spoon to measure the liquid form of Aldactone as the correct dose may not be obtained. 
• Don't rely solely on the information provided here; always consult your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice. 

The dosage of Aldactone is based on the individual's medical condition and response to treatment. In children, the dosage is also based on body weight. Doses greater than 100 mg/day generally do not provide additional reductions in blood pressure. 

Common Side Effects: 

• Breast swelling or tenderness

Serious Side Effects: 

• Light-headed feeling
• Little or no urination
• High potassium level (manifested as nausea, weakness, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, and loss of movement)
• Signs of other electrolyte imbalances (increased thirst or urination, confusion, vomiting, muscle pain, slurred speech, severe weakness, numbness, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady) 

Allergic Reaction: 

• Signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat require immediate medical attention.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Any unusual symptoms or concerns should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Before taking Aldactone or making any changes to your medication or diet, consult a healthcare provider. This medication may have specific interactions with other drugs, and a healthcare provider can provide personalized guidance based on your medical history and current medications.

Do not use Aldactone if you are allergic to spironolactone, have high levels of potassium in your blood (hyperkalemia), are unable to urinate, or are also taking eplerenone. Prior to taking Aldactone, inform your healthcare provider if you have ever had an electrolyte imbalance, kidney disease, liver disease, or heart disease .

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss this with your healthcare provider, as certain medical conditions during pregnancy, such as congestive heart failure, cirrhosis, or uncontrolled high blood pressure, may lead to medical problems in the mother or the baby. Your healthcare provider should decide whether you should take Aldactone if you are pregnant.

Aldactone can cause electrolyte and metabolic abnormalities, including hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, hypochloremic alkalosis, and hyperglycemia. Regular monitoring of serum electrolytes, uric acid, and blood glucose may be necessary.

Gynecomastia, the development of breast tissue in males, may develop with the use of Aldactone. Healthcare providers should be advised of its possible occurrence. The development of gynecomastia appears to be related to both dosage and duration of therapy and is normally reversible when the drug is discontinued.

Aldactone therapy may cause transient elevation of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), especially in patients with preexisting renal impairment. Additionally, because of the diuretic action of Aldactone, patients should be carefully evaluated for possible disturbance of fluid and electrolyte balance, due to the possibility of hyperkalemia, hypochloremic alkalosis, hyponatremia, and possible BUN elevation.

The information provided here is not exhaustive, and individuals should always consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance regarding the use of Aldactone.