Spironolactone Tablets

What is this medication?

SPIRONOLACTONE (speer on oh LAK tone) treats high blood pressure and heart failure. It may also be used to reduce swelling related to heart, kidney, or liver disease. It helps your kidneys remove more fluid and salt from your blood through the urine without losing too much potassium. It belongs to a group of medications called diuretics.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Aldactone

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Addison's disease or low adrenal gland function
• High blood level of potassium
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to spironolactone, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. You can take it with or without food. You should always take it the same way. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Cidofovir
• Eplerenone
• Tranylcypromine

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Aspirin
• Certain medications for blood pressure or heart disease like benazepril, lisinopril, losartan, valsartan
• Certain medications that treat or prevent blood clots like heparin and enoxaparin
• Cholestyramine
• Cyclosporine
• Digoxin
• Lithium
• Medications that relax muscles for surgery
• NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• Other diuretics
• Potassium salts or supplements
• Steroid medications like prednisone or cortisone
• Trimethoprim

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure as directed. Ask your care team what your blood pressure should be. Also, find out when you should contact him or her.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are using this medication without asking your care team for advice. Some medications may increase your blood pressure.

Check with your care team if you have severe diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, or if you sweat a lot. The loss of too much body fluid may make it dangerous for you to take this medication.

You may need to be on a special diet while taking this medication. Ask your care team. Also, find out how many glasses of fluid you need to drink each day.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effects of this medication. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Avoid salt substitutes unless you are told otherwise by your care team.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Dehydration—increased thirst, dry mouth, feeling faint or lightheaded, headache, dark yellow or brown urine
• High potassium level—muscle weakness, fast or irregular heartbeat
• Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
• Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
• Low sodium level—muscle weakness, fatigue, dizziness, headache, confusion

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Breast pain or tenderness
• Changes in sex drive or performance
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Irregular menstrual cycles or spotting
• Unexpected breast tissue growth

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store below 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put into the trash, take the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.