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Spironolactone

(other types of Spironolactone)
brand name(s): Aldactone (learn more about brand vs. generic drugs)

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Information on Spironolactone

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Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects .

Tablets
Chemical Name: SPIRONOLACTONE (spir-ON-oh-LAK-tone)

Common uses
This medicine is a potassium-sparing diuretic used to treat swelling and fluid retention in patients with congestive heart failure, liver cirrhosis, or kidney problems (nephrotic syndrome). It is also used for treatment of high blood pressure. It may also be used to treat or prevent low blood potassium. It may also be used to treat excess secretion of the hormone aldosterone by the adrenal gland.

Before using
WARNING: This medicine has been shown to cause tumors in laboratory animals. This medicine should only be used for the conditions for which it is indicated. Avoid unnecessary use of this medicine. 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 a potassium supplement, another potassium-sparing diuretic (eg, amiloride, triamterene), or another aldosterone-blocker (eg, eplerenone). ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking adrenocorticotropic hormone (corticotropin) (ACTH); corticosteroids (eg, prednisone); barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital); narcotics (eg, morphine); angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (eg, enalapril); angiotensin II receptor antagonists (eg, valsartan); cyclosporine; macrolide immunosuppressives (eg, tacrolimus); nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, indomethacin); digoxin; digitoxin; lithium; nondepolarizing muscle relaxants (eg, tubocurarine); quinidine; or pressor amines (eg, norepinephrine). DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including if you have high acidity in your body fluids; low blood sodium levels; kidney, liver, or heart disease; diabetes; high urea or nitrogen in your blood; menstrual disease; allergies; pregnancy; or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you are unable to urinate, have severe kidney problems, or have high blood potassium levels. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.

Directions
Follow the directions for taking this medicine provided by your doctor. TAKE THIS MEDICINE 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, 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. 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.

Cautions
DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE IF you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine. LAB TESTS, including kidney function, blood pressure, blood potassium, and chemistries, may be performed to monitor your condition or check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LAB APPOINTMENTS. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS OR DROWSINESS. 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 CAN RAISE YOUR BODY'S POTASSIUM LEVELS. This is more likely to occur in people with kidney problems or 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. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINES, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Use this medicine with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects. FOR WOMEN: 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.

Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include diarrhea; drowsiness; headache; nausea; stomach cramping; or vomiting. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience black, tarry, or bloody stools; change in the amount of urine produced; confusion; dark urine; decreased sexual ability; enlarged breasts in men; irregular or missed menstrual periods; pale stools; severe or persistent stomach pain; symptoms of abnormal fluid or electrolyte levels (eg, fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; increased thirst; muscle weakness; severe or persistent dry mouth, nausea, or vomiting; severe or persistent dizziness or drowsiness; unusual fatigue or sluggishness; tingling sensation); 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; or 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 healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Drug interactions
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 you take too much
IF OVERDOSE IS SUSPECTED, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include lightheadedness; nausea; vomiting; or weakness.

Additional information
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 reach of children and pets. IF YOU WILL BE USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, be sure to obtain necessary refills before your supply runs out.

Selected data included with permission and copyrighted by Medi-Span, 2009. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a Licensed data provider and is not for distribution in professional healthcare settings.