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Usage: Aldactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic. It works by blocking the hormone aldosterone, causing the kidney to eliminate excess water, save potassium, and lower blood pressure.
Directions: Use Aldactone as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions. Take Aldactone by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation. Aldactone may increase the amount of urine or cause you to urinate more often when you first start taking it. To keep this from disturbing your sleep, try to take your dose before 6 pm.
If you miss a dose of Aldactone, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once. If more than one dose is missed, restart the medication and advise your doctor or pharmacist at your next appointment.
Side Effects: All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome: Abdominal cramping; change in sexual ability; clumsiness; confusion; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; headache; frequent urination; nausea; vomiting. Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur: Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); breast tenderness; deepening of voice; dry mouth; enlarged breasts in men; excessive thirst; irregular or lack of menstrual periods; skin rash; slow, irregular, or fast heartbeat; ulcers; unusual muscle weakness; unusual tiredness.
Precautions: Aldactone may cause dizziness and drowsiness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Aldactone with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it. Aldactone can raise your body's potassium levels. This is more likely to occur in people with kidney problems, diabetes, in the elderly, or if the patient is severely ill. Potassium levels must be closely monitored in people with any of these problems or illnesses. If not treated, high potassium levels can be fatal.
Check with your doctor before you use a salt substitute or a product that has potassium in it. Lab tests, including kidney function, blood pressure, blood potassium, and chemistries, may be performed while you use Aldactone. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Aldactone while you are pregnant. Aldactone is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Aldactone.
If You Take Too Much: Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Storage: Store Aldactone at room temperature, between 59 and 77 degrees F (15 and 25 degrees C), in a tightly closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Aldactone out of the reach of children and away from pets.
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