$Unique_ID{BRK02134}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{SPIRONOLACTONE}
$Subject{Alatone (Major)
Aldactone (Searle)
spironolactone (various manufacturers)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


SPIRONOLACTONE
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     Alatone (Major)
     Aldactone (Searle)
     spironolactone (various manufacturers)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Diuretic and antihypertensive
INGREDIENT:
     spironolactone
DOSAGE FORM:
     Tablets (25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg)
STORAGE:
     Spironolactone should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed,
       light-resistant container.

USES

     Spironolactone is prescribed to treat high blood pressure.  It is also
used to reduce fluid accumulation in the body caused by conditions such as
heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, kidney disease, and the long-term use
of some medications.  Spironolactone reduces fluid accumulation by increasing
the elimination of salt and water through the kidneys.  It may be used in
combination with other diuretics to prevent potassium loss.  Since
spironolactone blocks the effects of a chemical (aldosterone) released from
the adrenal gland, it can also be used to diagnose and treat an overactive
adrenal gland.

TREATMENT

     To decrease stomach irritation, you can take spironolactone with a glass
of milk or with a meal (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).  Try
to take it at the same time every day.  Avoid taking a dose after 6:00 P.M.;
otherwise, you may have to get up during the night to urinate.
     This medication does not cure high blood pressure, but it will help to
control the condition as long as you continue to take it.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose.  In that case, do not
take the missed dose at all; just wait until the next scheduled dose.  Do not
double the dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Cramping, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, increased
urination, nausea, rash, restlessness, vomiting, or weakness.  As your body
adjusts to the medication, these side effects should disappear.
     Dry mouth can be relieved by chewing sugarless gum or by sucking on ice
chips or a piece of hard candy.
     To avoid dizziness or light-headedness when you stand, contract and relax
the muscles of your legs for a few moments before rising.  Do this by pushing
one foot against the floor while raising the other foot slightly, alternating
feet so that you are "pumping" your legs in a pedaling motion.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
anxiety; clumsiness; confusion; deepening of the voice (in women); enlarged
breasts (in both sexes); fever; impotence; increased hair growth; menstrual
disturbances; muscle cramps; numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips;
palpitations; post-menopausal bleeding; rapid weight gain (three to five
pounds within a week); stomach cramps; uncoordinated movements; or unusual
tiredness or weakness.

INTERACTIONS

     Spironolactone interacts with several foods and medications:
     1. Concurrent use of spironolactone with amiloride, triamterene,
potassium salts, low-salt milk, salt substitutes, captopril, or laxatives can
cause serious side effects from hyperkalemia (high levels of potassium in the
blood).
     2. Spironolactone may increase the side effects of lithium, digoxin,
digitoxin, and ammonium chloride.
     3. The effectiveness of oral anticoagulants (blood thinners, such as
warfarin) may be decreased by this medication.
     4. Aspirin may decrease the diuretic effects of spironolactone.  Before
starting to take spironolactone, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any
medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to spironolactone or to any other diuretic.
     * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had kidney or
urination problems, heart disease, hyperkalemia (high blood levels of
potassium), liver disease, menstrual abnormalities, breast enlargement, or
diabetes mellitus.
     * Spironolactone can cause hyperkalemia.  Signs of hyperkalemia include
palpitations; confusion; numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips;
anxiety; or unusual tiredness or weakness.  However, do not alter your diet in
an effort to avoid this problem, unless your doctor tells you to do so.
Elderly patients may be more susceptible to hyperkalemia.
     * There are several "generic brands" of this drug.  Consult your
pharmacist about these items; some of them are not equivalent to the
brand-name medications.
     * Limit your intake of alcoholic beverages in order to prevent dizziness
and light-headedness while taking this medication.
     * Do not take any over-the-counter (nonprescription) medication for
weight control or for allergy, asthma, cough, cold, or sinus problems unless
you first check with your doctor.  Some of these products can increase blood
pressure.
     * To prevent severe water loss (dehydration) while taking this
medication, check with your doctor if you have any illness that causes severe
or continuous nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  This drug crosses the
placenta, and its safety in human pregnancy has not been established.  Adverse
effects have been observed in the fetuses of animals that were given large
doses of this drug during pregnancy.  Also, tell your doctor if you are
breast-feeding an infant.  Small amounts of this drug pass into breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
