Spironolactone (Aldactone) – What You Should Know

Brand Name: Aldactone

What is Spironolactone (Aldactone)?

The information about Spironolactone (Aldactone) contained herein is a compilation of materials available from drugs.com and simplified for the average consumer.

Spironolactone also known by the brand name Aldactone is a potassium sparing diuretic that helps rid your body of salt (sodium) and water but retains potassium in the blood.

Spironolactone (Aldactone) is used to diagnose or treat a condition in which your adrenal glands produce too much salt and water in your body.

Spironolactone (Aldactone) also treats fluid retention (edema) in people with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, or a kidney disorder called nephrotic syndrome and helps prevent hypokalemia (low potassium levels in the blood).

There are drug free alternatives to lowering your blood pressure that may be effective for you. Read about them here.

How to use Spironolactone (Aldactone):

• Use Spironolactone (Aldactone) as directed by your doctor. Check the medicine label for exact dosing instructions. Do not use more or less or for longer  than recommended.
• Take it by mouth.
• You may need frequent blood tests while taking Spironolactone (Aldactone).
• Spironolactone (Aldactone) can cause unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Spironolactone (Aldactone).
• If you need surgery, tell your surgeon that you are taking  Spironolactone (Aldactone).
• If you miss a dose of Spironolactone (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.
• Store Spironolactone (Aldactone) at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Spironolactone (Aldactone).

What to know before using Spironolactone (Aldactone):

If any of the following apply to you, discuss with your doctor before taking Spironolactone (Aldactone):

• liver disease
• heart disease
• an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of magnesium in your blood)
• taking NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug)
• taking cholestyramine
• taking heparin
• taking lithium
• taking blood pressure or hear medication
• taking potassium supplements
• taking steroid medication
• taking any other diuretics

You should NOT use Spironolactone (Aldactone) if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• kidney disease
• are unable to urinate
• Addison’s disease (an adrenal gland disorder);
• high levels of potassium in your blood (hyperkalemia)
• taking eplerenone.
• Are Breast Feeding
• It is not known whether Spironolactone (Aldactone) will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication

When taking Spironolactone (Aldactone) avoid doing these things:

• Drinking alcohol
• Using salt substitutes or low-sodium milk products that contain potassium.
• Avoid a high-salt diet.
• Driving or doing anything that requires you to be alert.
• Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Follow your doctor’s instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough.

Side effects of Spironolactone (Aldactone):

In animal studies, Spironolactone (Aldactone) caused certain types of tumors, some of which were cancerous. However, very high doses are used in animal studies. It is not known whether these effects would occur in people using regular doses. Ask your doctor about your risk.

If any of the following symptoms of overdose or allergy occur while taking Spironolactone (Aldactone), get emergency help immediately:

• hives
• difficulty breathing
• swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Irregular heartbeat
• nervousness
• numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
• rash with flat lesions or small raised lesions on the skin
• reddened skin
• weakness or heaviness of the legs

Check with your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms:

If any of the following side effects continue, are bothersome or if you have any questions about them, check with your health care professional:

• Burning feeling in the chest or stomach
• hair loss or thinning of the hair
• leg cramps
• sores, welting, or blisters
• stomach upset
• swelling of the breasts or breast soreness in both females and males
• unusual dullness or feeling of sluggishness

The information about Spironolactone (Aldactone) comes from drugs.com

Spironolactone (Aldactone) Natural Alternatives:

If you are taking Spironolactone (Aldactone) or other diuretic medications, the various ingredients  in Tikva have been proven through either clinical trials or other research to lower your blood pressure naturally by dilating (widening) the arteries. Tikva does not act as a diuretic.

Several of the ingredients in Tikva can also increase circulation, dissolve plaque that is already in the arteries and reduce new plaque from forming. In addition, there are ingredients in Tikva to help reduce stress that often increases blood pressure without all of the side effects.
Read more about the natural ingredients in Tikva on our research and ingredients page, by clicking here.

Various herbs, foods and beverages offer a natural diuretic effect; however, they should be used with caution, in the event of unknown medical conditions with fluid retention as a symptom, or due to side effects with other medications. Consult with your physician prior to using natural diuretics.

Cutting back on sodium and exercising more can also help reduce fluid buildup.

Eating more fruits and vegetables that act as diuretics, like watermelon, grapes, berries, celery, asparagus, onions, garlic, and bell peppers, may be another beneficial solution.