Aldactone 50mg (Spironolactone)

Aldactone 50 mg Tablet is a diuretic which is used to control high blood pressure and edema. It is usually taken once daily, preferably in the daytime to prevent sleep disturbances. Frequent monitoring of blood pressure and electrolytes level is necessary.

Aldactone Tablets (Spironolactone) is used in the treatment of hypertension, oedematous disorders, diagnosis and treatment of primary aldosteronism, reducing or preventing potassium loss due to thiazide diuretics and other conditions.

Spironolactone Tablets can reduce male-pattern hair growth (hirsutism), hair loss, and acne in women who have PCOS. Spironolactone used alone can cause irregular bleeding and could cause problems if used during pregnancy. For these reasons, it is usually taken along with birth control pills. It is used to control irregular menstrual bleeding and to reduce hirsutism.

Aldactone 50mg Tablet is a potassium-sparing diuretic. It lowers blood pressure and swelling by removing the extra water and electrolytes from the body without loss of potassium.

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Aldactone 50mg Tablet is to be taken with food.

Spironolactone is contraindicated in adult and paediatric patients with the following:

• acute renal insufficiency, significant renal compromise, anuria
• Addison’s disease
• hyperkalaemia
• hypersensitivity to spironolactone or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1
• concomitant use of eplerenone or other potassium sparing diuretics.

Spironolactone is contraindicated in paediatric patients with moderate to severe renal impairment.

• Missed Dose

The missed dose should be taken as soon possible. It is advisable to skip the missed dose if it’s already time for your next scheduled dose.

• Overdose

Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of overdose.

• Stomach pain
• Dizziness
• Irregular heartbeat
• Headache
• Skin rash
• Gynecomastia
• Leg cramps
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Breast pain
• Hair loss

Pregnancy

This medicine is not recommended for pregnant women unless necessary. The benefits and risks should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.

Breast-feeding

This medicine is recommended in pregnant women only if necessary. The benefits and risks should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.

General warnings

Potassium supplements

This medicine will increase the potassium levels in the blood. Therefore, it is advised to avoid potassium-rich foods (potatoes, banana) and medicines that can increase the potassium levels (ACE inhibitors and potassium supplements).

Diabetes

This medicine is not recommended in patients with diabetes due to increase in the potassium levels and increases the risk of irregular heart rhythm.

[Internet]. 2017 [cited 5 June 2017]. Available from: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/27264

DailyMed – Spironolactone tablet, film coated [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 5 June 2017]. Available from: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=a7510768-8a52-4230-6aa0-b0d92d82588f

Prescribing medicines in pregnancy database [Internet]. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). 2017 [cited 5 June 2017]. Available from: https://www.tga.gov.au/prescribing-medicines-pregnancy-database#searchname

[Internet]. Toxnet.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 5 June 2017]. Available from: https://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/search2/f?./temp/~h5gwH6:1

1.What is spironolactone?

Spironolactone is a diuretic and belongs to the class of potassium sparing diuretics (water tablets), which help to lose excess fluid from your body.

They may be used for congestive heart failure, nephrotic syndrome (a kidney disorder), liver cirrhosis with fluid retention (oedema) and swelling of the abdomen (ascites), a cancerous disease with swelling of the abdomen (malignant ascites) and diagnosis and treatment of primary aldosteronism (a condition where excess hormone is produced).

2.Is spironolactone an over the counter drug?

Spironolactone is not an over the counter medicine. It is a prescription drug and is available only with a valid prescription by a doctor.

3.Can spironolactone cause constipation?

Spironolactone has not been reported to cause constipation. Talk to your doctor if you have constipation while taking spironolactone as it could be due to some other underlying condition.

4.Can I take spironolactone with indomethacin?

Indomethacin may increase the diuretic effect of spironolactone and both can increase the potassium levels in the blood. Patients should follow doctors advice if these two medicines are to be used together.

5.Can I use spironolactone for weight control?

Spironolactone does not cause weight loss and is not used for weight control. Please consult a doctor for the right therapy for weight control.

6.Can I take spironolactone with paracetamol (acetaminophen)?

Spironolactone can be taken with paracetamol (acetaminophen). No drug-drug interactions have been reported between the two. However, interactions can occur. Please consult your doctor before taking the two medicines together.