Drug Uses

Aldactone 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. It is used to treat edema (swelling) and hypertension (high blood pressure). It is also used to treat potassium deficiency and hyperaldosteronism (a hormonal disorder).

How Taken

It usually is taken once a day in the morning with breakfast or twice a day with breakfast and lunch. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Continue to take Aldactone even if you feel well. Do not stop taking it without talking to your doctor.

Warnings/Precautions

Before taking this medication, 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). You may not be able to take it, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above. This drug is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that it is known to harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication if you are pregnant. It is not known whether Aldactone passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Missed Dose

Take the Medication missed dose as soon as you remember it. 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.

Possible Side Effects

Stop taking this drug and seek emergency medical attention if you experience any of the following serious side effects: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); an irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, fatigue, confusion, weakness, numbness, or tingling (caused by high levels of potassium in your blood); or decreased urination. Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take it and talk to your doctor if you experience unusual headache or dizziness; nausea, diarrhea, or a decrease in appetite; dry mouth; bloating; muscle cramps; or lowering of the voice, excessive hair growth, or enlarged breasts. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Storage

Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Overdose

Acute over dosage of this drug may be manifested by drowsiness, mental confusion, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or diarrhea. Seek emergency medical attention.

More Information

Aldactone is also used in combination with other medicines to treat precocious puberty or myasthenia gravis. It 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.

Disclaimer

This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.