What is Aldactone?
Aldactone (spironolactone) is a potassium-sparing diuretic used in congestive heart failure, liver cirrhosis, and kidney disease to drain excess fluid from the body. It can also be used in conjunction with other medications to treat low potassium (hypokalemia) and high blood pressure caused by diuretics. Aldactone and its active metabolites are unique pharmacological aldosterone antagonists, acting primarily at the aldosterone-dependent sodium-potassium exchange site in the distal convoluted renal tubule through competitive binding of receptors. Aldactone induces the excretion of increased concentrations of sodium and water, while potassium is retained.
Aldactone Uses
Aldactone is used to treat elevated blood pressure (hypertension), heart failure or hypokalemia (low potassium levels in the blood). In people with congestive heart failure, liver cirrhosis, or a kidney disease called nephrotic syndrome, Aldactone also treats fluid retention (edema). Aldactone is also used for the diagnosis or treatment of a disorder in which your body has too much aldosterone. To help control the salt and water balance in the body, aldosterone is a hormone released by your adrenal glands.
Aldactone Side Effects
Some of the common side effects of Aldactone are:
Some of the serious side effects of Aldactone are:
- Allergic reaction
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Gynecomastia
- Skin allergies
Precautions
Before taking Aldactone talk with the doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medications. The drugs may contain some inactive ingredients which can cause some serious allergic reactions and some other serious problems.
Before using Aldactone talk with your doctor if you are having any medical history such as: Kidney problems, Liver problems, untreated mineral imbalance and decreased adrenal gland function.
How to take Aldactone?
Shake the bottle just before each dose if you are using the liquid form of this drug. Using a special measuring device/spoon, measure the dose carefully. Do not use a household spoon, because the correct dose may not be given to you. With or without food, you may take the liquid form of this medication, but it is important to choose one way and take it the same way with every dose.
Dosage Forms and Strengths
Aldactone: 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg
Dosage for Heart Failure
The typical starting dosage would be 25 mg once in a day. Looking at the benefits of the dosage the doctor may increase the dosage to 50 mg once in a day.
Dosage for High Blood Pressure
For Hypertension the typical Aldactone dosage is 25 to 100 mg.
Dosage for High Blood Pressure
For Hypertension the typical Aldactone dosage is 25 to 100 mg.
Dosage for Edema
Aldactone 100 mg is the typical initial dosage.
Missed Dose
Try to take it as soon as you remember, if you miss a dose. But if your next dose is almost due, simply skip the skipped dose and wait until the next daily dose is taken. You are not allowed to "double-up" or take two doses at once. This can raise the likelihood that Aldactone may have side effects.
Overdose
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Aldactone tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Allergic Reactions
As for other medications, after taking Aldactone, certain individuals can have an allergic reaction. How many times this side effect may have occurred in clinical trials is unclear. This may involve signs of a mild allergic reaction:
- Skin rash
- Itchiness
- Flushing (warmth, swelling and redness in the skin)
- Fever
Storage
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. Exposure to medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach. Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Aldactone vs Spironolactone
|
|
|---|---|
| Aldactone (spironolactone) is a potassium-sparing diuretic used in congestive heart failure, liver cirrhosis, and kidney disease to drain excess fluid from the body. | Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that helps in preventing the body from absorbing too much salt and also keeps the potassium levels from getting very low |
| Aldactone is also used for the diagnosis or treatment of a disorder in which your body has too much aldosterone. | The medication is also used for treating swelling that is caused by various conditions and by removing excess fluid and improving symptoms like breathing problems. |
Some of the common side effects of Aldactone are:
|
The most common side effects of Spironolactone are:
|
