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Spironolactone

 

Spironolactone (generic Aldactone) Review

brand name: Aldactone
generic name: Spironolactone

How does it work?

Spironolactone belongs to a group of medications known as the potassium-sparing diuretics. It acts in the kidney to remove excess water from the blood into the urine. Spironolactone blocks the actions of a hormone called aldosterone, which causes an increase in the removal of salts such as sodium from the blood. This removal of salts causes water to be drawn out of the blood and into the kidneys, where it is then excreted in the urine. Removing water from the blood causes a decrease in the volume of fluid circulating through the blood vessels. This drop in fluid volume decreases the effort required by the heart to pump blood around the body.

There are many conditions which may lead to an accumulation of fluid in the body (oedema). Spironolactone is commonly used in conditions such as heart failure, where the pumping mechanism of the heart is less effective. It is used to relieve the symptoms of heart failure, such as the shortness of breath seen with fluid on the lungs. It is also used to remove excess fluid associated with liver failure, as well as in the treatment of excessive levels of aldosterone (hyperaldosteronism).

Spironolactone does not increase the loss of potassium from the body in the urine, therefore there is less risk of developing low potassium levels in the blood (hypokalaemia). When it is used alone it has a weak effect, therefore it is often used in combination with other diuretics.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has additional information about spironolactone written for health professionals that you may read.

What side effects may I notice from taking spironolactone?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•confusion
•cough, itching
•unusual bleeding
•unusual tiredness or weakness
•weakness or heaviness of legs

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•breast tenderness in females
•deepening of voice in females
•diarrhea
•dizziness, drowsiness
•headache
•increased hair growth in females
•irregular menstrual periods
•nausea, vomiting
•sexual difficulty, inability to have an erection
•stomach pain or cramps, or lips
•pain or difficulty passing urine
•shortness of breath; difficult breathing
•skin rash, feet, chills
•lower back or side pain
•nervousness
•numbness or tingling in hands, chest pain
•fever, palpitations, increased thirst
•enlarged breasts in males
•fast or irregular heartbeat, hoarseness
•dry mouth, indigestion

Most important fact about Aldactone (Spironolactone)

If you have high blood pressure, you must take Aldactone (Spironolactone) regularly for it to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may be several weeks before you get the full benefit of Aldactone; and you must continue taking it even if you are feeling well. Aldactone (Spironolactone) does not cure high blood pressure; it merely keeps it under control.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

• Disturbances in the levels of chemical components (electrolytes) in the blood
  
  
• Irregular menstrual cycle
  
  
• Abnormal enlargement of breasts in men (gynaecomastia)
  
  
• Disturbances of the gut such as nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, vomiting or abdominal pain
  
  
• Skin rashes
  
  
• Fatigue
  
  
• Confusion
  
  
• Impotence
  
  
• Headache
  
  

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.

For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Why is Aldactone (Spironolactone) prescribed?

Aldactone flushes excess salt and water from the body and controls high blood pressure. It is used in the diagnosis and treatment of hyperaldosteronism, a condition in which the adrenal gland secretes too much aldosterone (a hormone that regulates the body's salt and potassium levels). It is also used in treating other conditions that require the elimination of excess fluid from the body. These conditions include congestive heart failure, kidney disease, cirrhosis of the liver, high blood pressure, and unusually low potassium levels in the blood. When used for high blood pressure, Aldactone (Spironolactone) can be taken alone or with other high blood pressure medications.