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Drug Name
Aldactone (Spironolactone)
Drug Uses
This medicine is a potassium-sparing diuretic used to treat congestive heart failure or high blood pressure. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
How Taken
Follow the directions for using this medicine, provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken with food if it upsets your stomach. This medicine may cause an increase in urine or in frequency of urination. To prevent this from affecting sleep: try not to take any dose later than 6 p.m.
Drug Class and Mechanism
One of the main functions of the kidneys is to retain salt (sodium chloride) and water. In patients with heart failure and cirrhosis, increased levels of a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, called aldosterone, causes salt and fluid retention by the kidneys. Spironolactone inhibits the action of aldosterone causing the kidneys to excrete salt and fluid while retaining potassium. Therefore, spironolactone is classified as a potassium-sparing medication that promotes the output of urine (diuretic).
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of Aldactone, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Storage
Store this medicine at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light.
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