Aldactone 25mg Tablets

Spironolactone is a competitive antagonist of aldosterone at mineralocorticoid receptors in the distal renal tubules. This action leads to increased excretion of sodium and water, while conserving potassium and hydrogen ions. It also has anti-androgenic and weak progestational effects.

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away

Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:

Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash or hives
+ Itching or red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever)
+ Wheezing or tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of fluid and electrolyte problems, such as:
+ Mood changes or confusion
+ Muscle pain or weakness
+ Fast or abnormal heartbeat
+ Severe dizziness or passing out
+ Increased thirst or seizures
+ Feeling very tired or weak
+ Decreased appetite
+ Unable to pass urine or changes in urine production
+ Dry mouth, dry eyes, or severe upset stomach or vomiting
Signs of kidney problems, such as:
+ Unable to pass urine or changes in urine production
+ Blood in the urine or significant weight gain
Severe dizziness or passing out
Confusion or changes in balance
Decreased interest in sex or erectile dysfunction
Fever, chills, or sore throat
Unexplained bruising or bleeding
Black, tarry, or bloody stools
Vomiting blood or coffee ground-like material
Changes in menstrual periods
Breast pain or enlarged breasts in males
Signs of liver problems, such as:
+ Dark urine
+ Tiredness
+ Decreased appetite
+ Upset stomach or stomach pain
+ Light-colored stools
+ Vomiting or yellow skin and eyes (one reported death)
Severe skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), which can be life-threatening. Seek medical help immediately if you experience:
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin
+ Red or irritated eyes
+ Sores in the mouth, throat, nose, eyes, genitals, or skin
+ Fever, chills, body aches, or shortness of breath
+ Swollen glands

Other Possible Side Effects

Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other symptoms that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor:

Dizziness or drowsiness
Headache
Diarrhea, upset stomach, or vomiting
Stomach cramps
* Hair loss

Reporting Side Effects

This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced as a result of the allergy.
Certain health conditions, including Addison's disease or high potassium levels, as these may affect your ability to take this medication safely.
If you are currently taking any of the following medications: Abiraterone, amiloride, eplerenone, or triamterene, as these may interact with this drug.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of all potential interactions. To ensure your safety, it is crucial to disclose all of your:

Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications
Natural products
Vitamins
* Health problems

Your doctor and pharmacist need this information to assess the safety of taking this medication with your existing health conditions and medications. Never start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor to confirm it is safe to do so.

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. Before engaging in activities that require alertness, such as driving, wait until you understand how this drug affects you.

Regularly monitor your blood pressure as directed by your healthcare provider. Additionally, undergo blood tests as scheduled by your doctor and discuss the results with them.

Be aware that this medication may impact certain laboratory test results. Therefore, notify all your healthcare providers and laboratory personnel that you are taking this drug.

If you are following a low-salt or salt-free diet, consult with your doctor to ensure safe management of your condition.

This medication may cause an increase in potassium levels in the blood, which can be life-threatening if left untreated. Individuals with diabetes, kidney disease, severe illness, or older adults are at a higher risk. Your doctor will closely monitor you and adjust the dosage as needed to minimize this risk.

If you are using a salt substitute containing potassium, a potassium-sparing diuretic, or a potassium product, inform your doctor to avoid potential interactions.

Before consuming alcohol, marijuana, or other forms of cannabis, or taking prescription or over-the-counter medications that may cause drowsiness, consult with your doctor.

If you have diabetes, it is crucial to closely monitor your blood sugar levels while taking this medication.

If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, discuss the benefits and risks of this medication with your doctor to ensure the best possible outcome for you and your baby.

• Eplerenone (increased risk of hyperkalemia)
• Amiloride (increased risk of hyperkalemia)
• Triamterene (increased risk of hyperkalemia)
• Potassium supplements (increased risk of hyperkalemia)
• Potassium-containing salt substitutes (increased risk of hyperkalemia)

• ACE inhibitors (e.g., Lisinopril, Enalapril) - increased risk of hyperkalemia
• Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) (e.g., Valsartan, Losartan) - increased risk of hyperkalemia
• NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen, Naproxen) - may reduce diuretic/antihypertensive effect and increase hyperkalemia risk, especially in renal impairment
• Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim) - increased risk of severe hyperkalemia
• Lithium - spironolactone may reduce renal clearance of lithium, leading to increased lithium levels and toxicity
• Digoxin - spironolactone may interfere with digoxin radioimmunoassays and may increase digoxin levels

• Corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisone) - additive natriuretic effect, may increase risk of electrolyte imbalance
• Cholestyramine - may induce hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis in patients receiving spironolactone
• Heparin/Low Molecular Weight Heparin - increased risk of hyperkalemia
• Abiraterone - increased risk of hyperkalemia (spironolactone is often used to manage hypokalemia caused by abiraterone, but careful monitoring is needed)

• Not available

• Signs of hyperkalemia (fatigue, muscle weakness, bradycardia, paresthesias)
• Signs of hyponatremia (nausea, headache, confusion, lethargy, seizures)
• Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, thirst, decreased urination, dizziness)
• Gynecomastia (breast enlargement in males), breast tenderness
• Menstrual irregularities or postmenopausal bleeding in females
• Deepening of voice or hirsutism in females
• Gastric upset, diarrhea, cramping

Generally not recommended during pregnancy due to potential anti-androgenic effects on the developing male fetus. Use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Spironolactone and its active metabolites are excreted in breast milk in small amounts. Use with caution. Monitor breastfed infant for adverse effects (e.g., dehydration, electrolyte imbalance). Consider alternative if possible, especially in preterm or neonates.

Dosing is weight-based for edema/ascites. Use with caution, especially in infants and young children, due to higher risk of electrolyte imbalances. Close monitoring of electrolytes and renal function is essential.

Increased risk of hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, and renal impairment due to age-related decline in renal function and polypharmacy. Start with lower doses and titrate slowly. Close monitoring of electrolytes and renal function is crucial.

• Spironolactone is a key medication in the management of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) due to its mortality benefit, even at low doses.
• It is the drug of choice for primary aldosteronism.
• Gynecomastia is a common and dose-dependent side effect in males, often leading to discontinuation. Eplerenone is an alternative aldosterone antagonist with less anti-androgenic activity.
• Always counsel patients to avoid potassium supplements and potassium-containing salt substitutes due to the high risk of hyperkalemia.
• Take with food to improve absorption and reduce gastrointestinal upset.
• Full diuretic and antihypertensive effects may take several days to develop.

• Eplerenone (another selective aldosterone antagonist, less anti-androgenic effects)
• Loop diuretics (e.g., Furosemide, Bumetanide - for more potent diuresis, but potassium-wasting)
• Thiazide diuretics (e.g., Hydrochlorothiazide, Chlorthalidone - for hypertension, but potassium-wasting)
• Other potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., Amiloride, Triamterene - generally less potent than spironolactone)

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so it's a good idea to check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't hesitate to discuss them with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide information about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it happened.