Generic Aldactone

Aldactone, which is generically prescribed as spironolactone, is commonly used to conditions where the body has too much aldosterone in the body. Aldactone is a potassium sparing diuretic which prevents the body from absorbing too much salt and keeps the potassium levels in the body from dropping to low. Aldactone is used to regulate these levels in patients with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, and a kidney disorder known as nephrotic syndrome.

Aldactone is not appropriate for everyone. A thorough medical history should be assessed prior to prescribing this medication. Patients with a medical history that includes kidney diseases that prevent urination, high potassium levels, or already taking potassium supplements or potassium sparing diuretics can not take Aldactone. Patients with a medical history which includes heart disease, liver disease, undergoing treatment with steroids or an alternative diuretic may not be able to take this medication or may require careful monitoring while undergoing drug therapy with Aldactone, depending on condition or severity of condition.

The American Food and Drug Administration rated Aldactone as a pregnancy risk category C, which means that this medication may cause harm or birth defects to an unborn baby. This medication passes through the mother’s breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. The prescribing physician should avoid prescribing this medication to a pregnant or nursing woman, or a woman who is likely to become pregnant.

There is a risk of side effects associated with Aldactone, some of which are severe. A patient experiencing a serious side effect or an allergic reaction should seek immediate emergency medical attention. An allergic reaction will present with symptoms that include facial swelling, including swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, or throat, hives, and difficulty breathing. Other serious side effect which require emergency medical attention include symptoms such as numbness, tingling, muscle pain or weakness, slow heart beat, fast heart beat, uneven heart beat, drowsiness, restlessness, lightheadedness, decreased urination, lack of urination, shallow breathing, tremors, confusion, nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay colored stools, or jaundice.

Other less serious side effects typically do not require emergency medical attention but should be reported to the prescribing physician. Patients should be encouraged to report all side effects. Less serious side effects include symptoms such as gas, stomach pain, mild nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headaches, or mild skin rash. Less serious side effects can often be reduced to a tolerable level by reducing the dosage of Aldactone.

Aldactone should be taken exactly as it is prescribed by the physician. If the patient misses a dose, the dose should be taken as soon as it is remembered. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped to avoid the potential for an overdose. The patient should never take a double dose of this medication. If an overdose is suspected, the patient should seek immediate emergency medical attention. An overdose will present with symptoms which include skin rash, confusion, drowsiness, red skin rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

There is a risk of negative drug interactions associated with Aldactone. A thorough medical history should be understood prior to prescribing this medication. Patients should be urged to inquire with the prescribing physician before taking any new medications, including over the counter medication and herbal remedies. Medications with a known interaction with Aldactone include digoxin, steroids, lithium, ACE inhibitors, NSAIDs, and indomethacin.