Spironolactone - Aldactone ®
Contents of this Article
Before Taking Spironolactone:
Spironolactone is the active ingredients (pronounced - speer on oh lak' tone).
Aldactone ®, Aldactazide ® containing active ingredients Spironolactone and Hydrochlorthiazide are the brand names.
IMPORTANT WARNING:
Spironolactone has caused tumors in laboratory animals. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication for your condition.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Tell Your Doctor and/or Pharmacist:
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to spironolactone; any other medications; or the ingredients in spironolactone tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
Tell your doctor if you are taking amiloride (Midamor), potassium supplements, triamterene (Dyrenium). Your doctor may tell you not to take spironolactone if you are taking one or more of these medications.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention:
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), fosinopril (Monopril), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril, (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), and trandolapril (Mavik)
- Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), indomethacin (Indocin), and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)
- Barbiturates such as phenobarbital
- Digoxin (Digitek, Lanoxicaps, Lanoxin)
- Diuretics ('water pills')
- Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid)
- Medications to treat high blood pressure
- Narcotic medications for pain
- Oral steroids such as dexamethasone (Decadron, Dexone), methylprednisolone (Medrol), and prednisone (Deltasone).
Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease. Your doctor may tell you not to take spironolactone.
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking spironolactone, call your doctor. Do not breastfeed if you are taking spironolactone.
Tell your doctor if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking spironolactone.
You should know that drinking alcohol with this medication may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting when you get up too quickly from a lying position. Talk to your doctor about drinking alcohol while you are taking spironolactone.
Special Dietary Instructions
Follow your doctor's directions for your meals, including advice for a reduced-salt(sodium) diet and daily exercise program. Avoid potassium-containing salt substitutes while you are taking this medication. Talk with your doctor about the amount of potassium-rich foods (e.g., bananas, prunes, raisins, and orange juice) that you may have in your diet.
References:
National Library of Medicine (NLM) - May 2007 - www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus
This summary is a general overview about the topic discussed and does not include all the facts, or include everything there is to know about any medicine and/or products mentioned. Do not use any medicine and/or products without first talking to your doctor. Possible side effects of medications, other than those listed, may occur. Full Disclaimer & General Safety Advisory