March 21, 2007

Diuretic for Hypertension - Spironolactone

Spironolactone - pronounced as (speer on oh LAK tone). This diuretic for hypertension prevents potassium loss. Additionally, it reduces production of a secretion from skin glands.

Common Brand Names
U.S. Brand Names: Aldactone®
Canadian Brand Names: Aldactone®; Novo-Spiroton
Mexican Brand Names: Aldactone

Pharmacologic Category: Diuretic, Potassium-Sparing; Selective Aldosterone Blocker

Warning signs to watchout before taking this diuretic medicine
Spironolactone can cause tumors in animals. These were long-term studies using larger doses than would be used in humans.

Reasons not to take this diuretic hypertension medicine
• If you have an allergic reaction to spironolactone or any other part of this medicine.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and your body reaction. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Any signs: High potassium levels or kidney disease.
• If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

Primary uses for this medicine
• Flush out extra fluid.
• Increase potassium stores in the body.
• Improve a weakened heart.
• Acne treatment

How is it best taken?
• Take this medicine with food.
• A liquid (suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Shake well before use.
• Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.
• Adhere to diet plan and exercise program as recommended by healthcare provider.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
• Never take a double dose or extra doses.
• Never change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.

Precautions
• If you are taking this medicine for acne, you should be at least 15 years of age.
• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
• Avoid potassium-containing salt substitutes, potassium-sparing diuretics, and potassium supplements.
• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).
• Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

Possible side effects of this diuretic medicine
• High potassium level. Signs include feeling weak, lightheaded, dizzy, feel like passing out, or have numbness or tingling.
• Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing.
• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
• Change in sexual ability or libido. This is usually reversible.
• For females, breast tenderness or deepening of voice.

Monitor the following
• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
• Check blood pressure and heart rate regularly.
• Check blood work (potassium). Talk with healthcare provider.

When to call healthcare provider immediately
• Suspicion of an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Severe dizziness or passing out.
• Severe nausea or vomiting.
• Severe diarrhea.
• For females, menstrual changes. These include lots of bleeding, spotting, or bleeding between cycles.
• For males, enlarged breasts.
• Any rash.
• No improvement or change in condition or feeling worse.

Storage
• Store tablets at room temperature.
• Protect tablets from light.
• Protect tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
• Store liquid (suspension) in a refrigerator. Dispose any unused portion after expiration date on bottle.

General statements
• For a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
• Never share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or supplements.