ALDACTONE
10 Jun 2019
ABSTRACT –
Aldactone is a drug that prevents potassium levels in the blood from dropping low, while also disallowing the body’s absorption of salt. This drug is used to treat hypokalemia, heart failure, hypertension, edema (in patients that may have liver cirrhosis or nephritic syndrome) and even primary hyperaldosteronism. Aldactone is a ‘potassium-sparing diuretic’ that increases the patient’s amount of urine while getting rid of excess salt and water.
DOSAGE –
- Aldactone is to be taken as directed by the doctor. The dosage of Aldactone depends upon the illness and intensity of the condition – and is to be determined by the doctor.
- Consume tablet with one whole glass of water.
- This tablet is better consumed along with food, to avoid upset stomachs.
- General dosage (is highly subject to variation) –
- Heart Failure/Hypokalemia – 25mg onwards (dosage may either be increased or decreased in intensity)
- Hypertension – 25mg – 100mg
- Edema – 25mg – 200mg
- Primary Hyperaldosteronism – 100mg – 400mg
SIDE EFFECTS –
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Swelling of breasts
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Leg cramps
- Impotence or lack of genital erection
RARE SIDE EFFECTS:
- Extreme dizziness
- Lack of urination
- Muscle spasms
- Internal stomach bleeding
- Bloody stools
- Muscle weakness
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Low levels of potassium
- Severe contractions
- Frequent vomiting
- Imbalance in motor movements
- Slurred speech
- Allergic reaction symptoms like difficulty in breathing, hives, rashes, swelling of bodyparts
DRUG INTERACTIONS –
- Amiloride
- Benazepril
- Candesartan
- Captopril
- Colchicine
- Edoxaban
- Eplerenone
- Fosinopril
- Irbesartan
- Lisinopril
- Losartan
- Mitotane
- Olmesartan
- Valsartan
Aldactone has major interactions with 102 different drugs.
MODERATE DRUG INTERACTIONS –
- Abiraterone
- Acebutolol
- Afatinib
- Alfentanil
- Aliskiren
- Amifostine
- Baclofen
- Betaxolol
- Bromfenac
- Celecoxib
- Citalopram
- Clozapine
- Docetaxel
- Ethanol
- Phenelzine
Aldactone has moderate interactions with 487 different drugs.
PRECAUTIONS –
- Provide the doctor a detailed and accurate medical history of the patient before drugprescription. Notify the doctor especially in case the patient has ever had kidney, liver or heartdiseases.
- The patient is not to use Aldactone in case of allergies to spironolactone, adrenalgland diseases, hyperkalemia, difficulties in urinating or while on course with eplerenone.
- Do not breastfeed while using this drug, as it may transfer through breast milk.
- Do not use Aldactone if not prescribed. Do not share the patient’s drugs with others,even if they have similar symptoms. The use and intensity of Aldactone differs from case tocase.
- Co-operate with medical tests that require to be taken frequently while on an Aldactonecourse, to ensure regular health.
- Notify the doctor in case a surgery is scheduled soon while you are on drug course.
- Keep patient regularly hydrated, to avoid exhaustion.
WARNINGS –
- Avoid using excessive salt in patient’s food. Avoid milk substitutes that may containhigh amounts of potassium.
- Avoid engaging in complicated activities that require complete concentration while usingthis drug.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Keep out of reach of children.