Aldactone

Aldactone Uses and Common Contraindications

Aldactone is an effective medication taken to treat hypertension, so its use helps patients prevent strokes, heart attacks and kidney problems.

Besides, this medicine is taken to treat edema if this condition is caused by specific diseases, because it works by removing excess body fluids and improving such signs as breathing complications.

Doctors also prescribe Aldactone (Spironolactone) to treat low levels of potassium and those conditions where the human body produces too much aldosterone.

This medication belongs to potassium-sparing diuretics or water pills.

Sometimes, women take it to treat their excessive hair growth if they have polycystic ovary conditions.

How to Use Aldactone Correctly

This medicine should be taken orally and based on the directions given by doctors. If you suffer from upset stomach, use Aldactone with regular meals or milk.

Most doctors advise their patients to take each dose early in the evening to prevent the need to get up to urinate at night.

The right dosage must be based on your medical condition and individual response to this treatment.

The dose of children is always based on their body weight. Ensure that you take Aldactone regularly and at the same time of the day to get the most out of this therapy.

If you suddenly stop its intake, your condition may get worse, including increase in your blood pressure readings.

Possible Side Effects

This medication may cause certain adverse effects, including the following common ones:

• Dizziness and drowsiness;
• Diarrhea and nausea;
• Upset stomach and lightheadedness;
• Headaches and vomiting.

To get rid of lightheadedness, you should get up slowly from any lying or sitting position. These side effects are minor, but if they persist, your doctor should be informed about that.

Most patients who take Aldactone don’t experience any serious adverse effects.

However, if you notice any of these serious symptoms, go to the hospital immediately:

• Urine changes and increased thirst;
• Unusual mood and mental changes;
• Muscle spasms and breast pain;
• Unusual weakness or fatigue;
• Menstrual period changes and allergies;
• Sexual function issues.

The intake of Aldactone may also result in high potassium levels, especially in people with pre-existing kidney problems.

Report any of these serious and rare side effects to your doctor:

• Irregular and slow heartbeats;
• Unusual muscle weakness;
• Signs of new infections;
• Severe stomach pain and nausea;
• Yellow eyes and skin;
• Vomiting that resembles coffee grounds;
• Easy bleeding and bruising.

Important Precautions

Before you start taking Aldactone, visit doctors and tell them about any possible allergic reactions. They also need to know your medical history, especially if you have kidney and liver problems, inability to urinate, high potassium levels, decreased adrenal gland function, untreated mineral imbalance, etc.

This medication may make you feel dizzy and drowsy, so don’t drive or do other activities that require your full alertness, and you should avoid alcoholic beverages.

Older patients are more prone to experiencing unwanted side effects. Nursing and pregnant women are allowed to take Aldactone only when it’s clearly needed.

Limit the consumption of food products high in potassium, including potatoes, tomatoes, bananas and so on.

Drug Interactions

Don’t take this medicine with specific hormones, drugs that increase potassium levels, digoxin, potassium supplements and some others, because they may lead to serious drug interactions and side effects.