What is Aldactone?

Aldactone is a water pill classified as a potassium sparing diuretic. It prevents the patient's body from absorption of excessive salt and thus keeps the potassium level in the body controlled accordingly.

Uses

Aldactone is used to treat conditions in which the patient suffers from high levels of Aldosterone in the body. Aldosterone is a hormone which regulates the levels of water and salt in the human body.
Fluid Retention is also treated with the use of Aldactone drug. This is used to treat people facing fluid retention along with congestive heart failure and cirrhosis of the liver. The nephritic syndrome or what is a kidney disorder is also cured using Aldactone. Low potassium levels or hypokalemia is also treated using Aldactone. This is due to its ability to control potassium levels in the body.
Aldactone is used to diagnose or treat a condition in which you have too much Aldosterone in your body. Aldosterone is a hormone produced by your adrenal glands to help regulate the salt and water balance in your body.
You might be prescribed Aldactone for uses other than those listed above. It may also be given along with other medicines for some other disease too. Contact your doctor or pharmacist about the uses of Aldactone.

Warnings

Aldactone is not to be used if you have any problems regarding urination, high potassium levels and kidney diseases. If you are facing these and have been prescribed Aldactone then contact your doctor. Your planned dose will be modified or cancelled according to the situation. Do not use potassium supplements along with Aldactone.
Inform your doctor about any liver disease and steroids you are currently using. Along with those avoid any use of alcohol during an Aldactone course. This is because it increases the side effects of Aldactone.
Avoid high salt foods in your diet as it may distort the effect of Aldactone.
Avoid a diet high in salt. Too much salt will cause your body to retain water and can make this medication less effective. Do not take salt substitutes which contain high potassium. Using these can cause your potassium level to go very high.
Avoid dehydration and exercise in hot weather. Follow a strict liquid intake routine prescribed by your doctor.
Aldactone comes under the FDA Pregnancy Category C. This means that it is harmful to an unborn baby and may cause damage to the fetus. Along with that it also can pass into breast milk. So it also may cause damage through nursing of a baby.

How to take Aldactone?

Aldactone should only be used according to the prescribed way. Do not take Aldactone for a longer time than the given course. Aldactone is not to be used in bigger amounts than the prescribed amount.
It is to be taking through mouth with a glass full of water.
When under a course you will be asked to take regular blood tests. This is to be ensured that no harmful side effects are taking place in your body. If you miss the test schedule then contact your doctor to reschedule another one for you.
If you are going to go under a surgery then inform the surgeon about the intake of Aldactone. You might need to leave it for sometime for the surgery.

What happens if I miss a dose?

If the patient misses a dose then take the missed dose as soon as possible. If the scheduled next dose is near then skip the missed dose. Continue the rest of the course as usual. Do not take any other medicine to cover up the missed dose.

Aldactone side effects

The side effects of Aldactone can be found out by the following symptoms:

• Numbness or tingly feeling;
• Uneven heartbeat;
• Urinating less than usual or not at all;
• Shallow breathing And
• Nausea.

The patient might face side effects other than those listed here. If any unusual symptom is caused by the use of Aldactone then contact your doctor immediately.

Proper storage of Aldactone

Aldactone is to be stored at room temperature. Room temperature: 68 to 77 Degrees F or 20 to 25o C. It is to be kept in a tightly closed container. Keep Aldactone away from sunlight, heat and moisture. Do not place it in bathrooms. Keep Aldactone out of the reach of children and away from pets.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek immediate emergency medical help if the patient over doses the intake of Aldactone. Symptoms showing an over dose include drowsiness, confusion, nausea and vomiting. Other cases might just be reflected by a dose greater than the prescribed amount or for a longer time than the course.
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include drowsiness, confusion, red skin rash, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

General information

For more information about Aldactone consult your doctor or pharmacist. If your symptoms get worse after using this drug then inform this to your doctor.
Aldactone is to be used only for the person it is prescribed for. Do not share your medication.