Aldactone
® (
spironolactone) is a prescription medicine that is used as a diuretic for various conditions. It is known as a "potassium-sparing" diuretic.
Brand-name Aldactone is made by Pfizer.
Generic Aldactone is made by a few different manufacturers.
Specific uses of this medication include:
- Treating low levels of potassium in the blood (hypokalemia)
- Decreasing the risk for hospitalization or death in people with severe heart failure.
Aldactone is a diuretic, which is commonly referred to as a "water pill." It is known as an "aldosterone antagonist," which means that it blocks aldosterone receptors. Aldosterone is a hormone in the body that causes the body to retain water. By blocking aldosterone, Aldactone increases the amount of salt and water that the kidneys remove from the blood, which is then passed out through urine.
By increasing the amount of water removed from the blood, the drug causes a decrease in blood volume. Because of this effect, it can
lower blood pressure and also help with water retention.
Aldactone is a "potassium-sparing" diuretic, which means that it does not cause low potassium levels in the blood (like many other diuretics). In fact, it usually increases potassium levels, an effect which can be used to treat low potassium levels (hypokalemia).
When and How to Take Aldactone
Some general considerations for when and how to take the medication include:
- Aldactone comes in tablet form. It is usually taken by mouth once or twice a day. In some cases, it may be taken every other day.
- You can take it with or without food.
- Aldactone should be taken at the same time(s) each day to maintain an even level of the drug in your blood. However, some people do not need to take it every day, especially those who are taking it for fluid retention.
- Because Aldactone increases urination, it is best to take it the morning (to avoid needing to get up to use the bathroom throughout the night). If you take it twice a day, try to take the last dose before 6 p.m., unless your healthcare provider instructs you otherwise.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
The dosage that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may currently be taking
- How you respond to Aldactone.
As with any medication, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
(Click Aldactone Dosage for more information about dosing guidelines for Aldactone.)
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Aldactone. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. When side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
A few of the reported side effects of Aldactone include:
(Click Aldactone Side Effects to learn about the specific side effects of this drug, including serious side effects to look out for.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Aldactone if you have:
- Liver disease, including cirrhosis
- Kidney disease or kidney failure
- Fluid or electrolyte problems
- Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are currently taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
People who take too much Aldactone may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Rash
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Electrolyte imbalance.
If you happen to overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
It should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Aldactone tablets should be kept in an airtight container.
Keep Aldactone and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your Aldactone as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with normal dosing. Do not take a double dose.
Aldactone tablets are available in the following strengths:
- Aldactone 25 mg
- Aldactone 50 mg
- Aldactone 100 mg.
Currently, both brand-name and generic versions of Aldactone are licensed for sale
(see Generic Aldactone for more information).
