$Unique_ID{BRK03329} $Pretitle{} $Title{spironolactone} $Subject{Alatone Major Aldactone Searle Diuretic antihypertensive spironolactone high blood pressure fluid accumulation heart failure cirrhosis liver kidney disease fluid accumulation elimination salt water kidneys potassium loss aldosterone adrenal gland overactive} $Volume{} $Log{} Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd. spironolactone ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers) Alatone (Major) Aldactone (Searle) spironolactone (various manufacturers) TYPE OF DRUG Diuretic and antihypertensive INGREDIENT spironolactone DOSAGE FORM Tablets (25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg) STORAGE Spironolactone should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed, light-resistant container. USES This drug is used to treat high blood pressure. It is also used to reduce fluid accumulation in the body caused by conditions such as heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, kidney disease, and the long-term use of some drugs. Spironolactone reduces fluid accumulation by increasing the elimination of salt and water through the kidneys. It may be used in combination with other diuretics to prevent potassium loss. Since spironolactone blocks the effects of a chemical (aldosterone) released from the adrenal gland, it can also be used to diagnose and treat an overactive adrenal gland. TREATMENT To decrease stomach irritation, you can take spironolactone with a glass of milk or with a meal (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise). Try to take it at the same time every day. Avoid taking a dose after 6:00 p.m.; otherwise, you may have to get up during the night to urinate. This medication does not cure high blood pressure, but it will help to control the condition as long as you continue to take it. If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose. In that case, do not take the missed dose at all; just wait until the next scheduled dose. Do not double the dose. SIDE EFFECTS Minor. Cramping, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, increased urination, nausea, rash, restlessness, vomiting, or weakness. As your body adjusts to the medication, these side effects should disappear. Dry mouth can be relieved by chewing sugarless gum. To avoid dizziness or light-headedness when you stand, contract and relax the muscles of your legs for a few moments before rising. Do this by pushing one foot against the floor while raising the other foot slightly, alternating feet so that you are "pumping" your legs in a pedaling motion. Major. Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about anxiety; clumsiness; confusion; deepening of the voice (in women); enlarged breasts (in both sexes); fever; impotence; increased hair growth; menstrual disturbances; muscle cramps; numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips; palpitations; postmenopausal bleeding; rapid weight gain (three to five pounds within a week); stomach cramps; uncoordinated movements; or unusual tiredness or weakness. INTERACTIONS Spironolactone interacts with several foods and medications: 1. Concurrent use of spironolactone with amiloride, captopril, triamterene, potassium salts, low-salt milk, salt substitutes, or laxatives can cause serious side effects such as hyperkalemia (high levels of potassium in the blood). 2. Spironolactone may increase the side effects of lithium, digoxin, digitoxin, and ammonium chloride. 3. The effectiveness of oral anticoagulants (blood thinners, such as warfarin) may be decreased by this medication. 4. Aspirin may decrease the diuretic effects of spironolactone. Before starting to take spironolactone, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed above. WARNINGS * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to any medications, especially to spironolactone or to any other diuretic. * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had kidney or urination problems, heart disease, hyperkalemia (high blood levels of potassium), liver disease, menstrual abnormalities, breast enlargement, or diabetes mellitus. * Spironolactone can cause hyperkalemia. Signs of hyperkalemia include palpitations; confusion; numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips; anxiety; or unusual tiredness or weakness. However, do not alter your diet in an effort to avoid this problem, unless your doctor tells you to do so. Elderly patients may be more susceptible to hyperkalemia. * There are several "generic brands" of this drug. Consult your pharmacist about these items; some of them are not equivalent to the brand-name medications. * Limit your intake of alcoholic beverages to prevent dizziness and light-headedness while taking this drug. * Do not take any over-the-counter (nonprescription) medications for weight control or for allergy, asthma, cough, cold, or sinus problems unless you first check with your doctor. * To prevent severe water loss (dehydration) while taking this medication, check with your doctor if you have any illness that causes severe or continuous nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. This drug crosses the placenta, and its safety in human pregnancy has not been established. Adverse effects have been observed in the fetuses of animals that were given large doses of this drug during pregnancy. Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.