Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects .
Chemical Name: SPIRONOLACTONE (spir-ON-oh-LAK-tone) and HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE (HYE-droe-KLOR-oh-THYE-a-zide)
This medicine is a combination of a potassium-sparing diuretic (spironolactone) and a thiazide diuretic (hydrochlorothiazide) used for treating swelling in patients who have congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, or certain kidney problems (eg, nephrotic syndrome) when other treatments are not effective or appropriate. It is also used to treat high blood pressure in patients for whom other treatments are not effective or appropriate.
WARNING: This medicine can increase potassium levels in your body. This is more likely to occur in elderly patients, patients who are severely ill, patients with heart failure, or patients with kidney problems and diabetes. If not treated, high potassium levels can be fatal. Potassium levels must be closely monitored in people with any of these problems or illnesses. Lab tests will be required so be sure to keep appointments. If you develop muscle weakness or an unusual heartbeat, notify your doctor immediately. Spironolactone, an ingredient in this medicine, has been shown to cause tumors in rats when given to them over a long period of time. This medicine should be used only when necessary to treat the conditions for which it is indicated. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF you are taking another potassium-sparing diuretic (eg, triamterene), a potassium supplement, a salt substitute containing potassium, or dofetilide. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (eg, enalapril), angiotensin II receptor antagonists (eg, valsartan), cyclosporine, macrolide immunosuppressives (eg, tacrolimus), other aldosterone-blockers (eg, eplerenone), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, indomethacin), cholestyramine, colestipol, barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital), certain chemotherapy medicines, corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), diazoxide, digoxin, ketanserin, lithium, narcotic pain medicines (eg, codeine), nondepolarizing neuromuscular blockers (eg, tubocurarine), medicines for high blood pressure, diabetes medicines (eg, glipizide), or insulin. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including cirrhosis or liver problems; diabetes; gout; kidney problems or kidney stones; asthma; heart problems (eg, heart failure); menstrual problems; systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus); high cholesterol or triglyceride levels; elevated blood acid; low folic acid levels; electrolyte problems; allergies; pregnancy; or breast-feeding. Tell your doctor if you are dehydrated. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you are unable to urinate or have severely decreased kidney function, severe liver problems, or high blood potassium. This medicine should not be used in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.
Follow the directions for taking this medicine provided by your doctor. TAKE THIS MEDICINE by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation. THIS MEDICINE 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. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C), away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. IF YOU MISS A DOSE of this medicine, 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.
DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE IF you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine or any other sulfonamide (eg, sulfamethoxazole). If you have a question about whether you are allergic to this medicine or if a certain medicine is a sulfonamide, contact your doctor or pharmacist. LAB TESTS, including liver function, kidney function, lung function, blood pressure, blood electrolytes, and fasting blood glucose, may be performed while you use this medicine. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments. THIS MEDICINE CAN RAISE YOUR BODY'S POTASSIUM LEVELS. This is more likely to occur in people with kidney problems or diabetes, people with heart failure, or 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. THIS MEDICINE MAY INTERFERE WITH CERTAIN LAB TESTS, including parathyroid function tests. Be sure your doctor and lab personnel know you are taking this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use this medicine with caution. DO NOT DRIVE OR PERFORM OTHER POSSIBLY UNSAFE TASKS until you know how you react to it. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS, LIGHTHEADEDNESS, OR FAINTING; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE YOU TO BECOME SUNBURNED more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to this medicine. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time. TELL YOUR DOCTOR OR DENTIST THAT YOU TAKE THIS MEDICINE before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery. PATIENTS WHO TAKE MEDICINE FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE often feel tired or run down for a few weeks after starting treatment. Be sure to take your medicine even if you may not feel "normal." Tell your doctor if you develop any new symptoms. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE YOU USE A SALT SUBSTITUTE or a product that has potassium in it. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINES, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: IT IS NOT KNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE CAN CAUSE HARM to the fetus. IF YOU BECOME PREGNANT, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using this medicine while you are pregnant. THIS MEDICINE IS FOUND in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine. DIABETES PATIENTS: This medicine may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; fatigue; headache; loss of appetite; nausea; stomach upset; or weakness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience bloody, black, or tarry stools; breast enlargement; confusion; dark urine; decreased urination or change in the amount of urine produced; dry mouth; excessive thirst; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; impotence; leg or muscle cramps, pain, or weakness; menstrual changes; restlessness; severe or persistent dizziness, weakness, or fatigue; stomach pain; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual skin sensations; unusual weight loss; vomiting; or yellowing of the skin or eyes. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include excessive urination; flushed face; lightheadedness especially upon standing; nausea; vomiting; or weakness.
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.