Aldactone

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.

This medicine is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

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

Spironolactone controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Continue to take spironolactone even if you feel well. Do not stop taking spironolactone without talking to your doctor.

SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include abdominal cramping, nausea, diarrhea, headache, or change in sexual ability. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience dry mouth, excessive thirst, unusual tiredness, unusual muscle weakness, skin rash, deepening of voice, irregular or no menstrual periods, slowed heart rate, or enlarged breasts in men or breast tenderness in women. If you notice any unusual effects, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, weakness, and lightheadedness.

DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Take the 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 to make up for a missed one.

This medicine is a potassium-sparing diuretic used to treat congestive heart failure or high blood pressure. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

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.

Keep this medicine in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medicine that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medicine.

DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. DO NOT USE A SALT SUBSTITUTE or potassium supplement without checking with your doctor. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.