BUY ALDACTONE

Aldactone is applied for treating strokes, high blood pressure, heart attacks, and kidney problems. It is also used to treat swelling (edema) caused by certain conditions (e.g., congestive heart failure) by removing excess fluid and improving symptoms such as breathing problems. This medication is also used to treat low potassium levels and conditions in which the body is making too much of a natural chemical (aldosterone). Aldactone is known as a "water pill" (potassium-sparing diuretic).

HOW TO USE ALDACTONE:

It is an oral medication. Take aldactone as prescribed by your doctor. If you have some stomach problems, it is recommended to take it with food or milk to avoid stomach upset. It is best to take your dose early in the day (before 6 p.m.) to prevent having to get up during the night to urinate. Ask your doctor any questions that may interest you. Dosage depends on your medical condition and response to therapy. In children, the dosage is also based on body weight. Take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use aldactone at the same time(s) each day as directed. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose, take it more often than prescribed, or stop using this medicine without first consulting your doctor. Your condition may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Inform your doctor if your condition worsens (e.g., if you notice an increase in your routine blood pressure readings).

ALDACTONE SIDE EFFECTS:

You may experience stomach upset, drowsiness, lightheadedness, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or headache. Try to get up slowly to reduce lightheadedness or giddiness. Inform your doctor in the case of worsening or persisting any of the aldactone side effects. Don't forget that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious aldactone side effects. If you experience such unusual but serious side effects as dizziness, increased thirst, change in the amount of urine, muscle spasms, menstrual period changes, mental/mood changes, unusual fatigue/weakness, breast enlargement (gynecomastia) in men, sexual function problems inform your doctor immediately. This medication may lead to high levels of potassium, especially in patients with kidney problems. If not treated, very high potassium levels can be fatal. If you experience muscle weakness, slow/irregular heartbeat, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), severe stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, dark urine, yellowing of the eyes/skin inform your doctor immediately. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: itching, swelling, dizziness, rash, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

ALDACTONE PRECAUTIONS:

Tell your doctor if you have any allergic reaction. Your doctor or pharmacist must know your medical conditions, especially if you have such problems as severe kidney disease, no urine output (anuria), high blood potassium (hyperkalemia). Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver or kidney problems, untreated mineral imbalance (e.g., low sodium). Inform your doctor that you are taking this medication before you have surgery. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. Aldactone is not advised during pregnancy and can be taken only if it's really necessary. Discuss all pro and contra with your doctor. This drug breaks down into other products that pass into breast milk. Therefore, breast-feeding while using aldactone is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

ALDACTONE INTERACTIONS:

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be acquainted with any possible aldactone interactions. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first. Notify your doctor if you are taking any of the mentioned above medications. Your doctor should know about all the medications you are taking, especially of: corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), other diuretics that increase potassium (e.g., amiloride, triamterene), certain hormones (ACTH), digoxin, lithium, mitotane, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, indomethacin), potassium levels increasinf remedies include cyclosporine, tacrolimus, potassium supplements, ACE inhibitors (e.g., captopril, lisinopril) or ARBs (e.g., losartan, candesartan). Keep closely your doctor's prescriptions. Limit foods high in potassium such as bananas, tomatoes, potatoes, low-salt milk, and salt substitutes. Ask your doctor for more information, including diet recommendations. It is important to keep all medical and laboratory appointments so your doctor can monitor your potassium levels regularly. Look through the labels on all your medications (e.g., cough-and-cold products, diet aids, NSAIDs for pain/fever reduction) to find out if they contain ingredients that could increase your blood pressure or worsen swelling (edema). Some nonprescription medicines that contain aspirin may decrease the effects of aldactone. Low-dose aspirin, as prescribed by your doctor for specific medical reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (usually these dosages are 81-325 milligrams per day) should be continued. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. This medication can affect the results of certain lab tests (e.g., digoxin or cortisol levels). Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use this drug.

NOTES:

Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., blood mineral levels, kidney or liver function tests) must be done regularly to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details. If you are taking aldactone for high blood pressure, lifestyle changes such as stress reduction programs, exercise, and dietary changes may increase the effectiveness of this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about lifestyle changes that might benefit you. Have your blood pressure checked regularly while taking this medication. Discuss with your doctor and learn how to monitor your own blood pressure.