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1994-01-17
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$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
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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.
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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.