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Aldactone (Spironolactone): Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects

US Brand Name (Generic Name):

Aldactone ({Spironolactone})

Pharmacologic category:

Potassium-sparing diuretic and aldosterone antagonist. Other medications in this category include {Eplerenone} (Inspra), {Amiloride} (Midamor), and {Triamterene} (Dyrenium).

Diseases Treated, Dosing, and Treatment Duration

{Edema} (fluid retention) associated with congestive heart failure: Initial dose of 25-100 mg daily, adjusted based on response.
{Edema} associated with liver cirrhosis: Initial dose of 100 mg daily, adjusted based on response.
{Ascites}: Initial dose of 100 mg daily, adjusted based on response.
{Hypertension} (high blood pressure): Initial dose of 25-50 mg daily, adjusted based on response.
{Primary aldosteronism}: Initial dose of 100-400 mg daily, adjusted based on response.
{Secondary hyperaldosteronism}: Dosing depends on the underlying cause; consult a healthcare provider for individualized recommendations.
{Nephrotic syndrome}: Initial dose of 25-200 mg daily, adjusted based on response.
{Polycystic ovary syndrome} (PCOS) – off-label use for hirsutism and acne: Initial dose of 50-200 mg daily, adjusted based on response.
{Acne vulgaris} – off-label use: Initial dose of 50-100 mg daily, adjusted based on response.

Dosage Forms and strengths:

{Spironolactone} is available in oral tablet form in strengths of 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg.

Administration Instructions:

It should be taken as directed by a healthcare provider, usually once daily or divided into two doses. It can be taken with or without food but should be taken consistently either with food or without food.

Adverse Reactions and Side Effects:

{Hyperkalemia} (high potassium levels, >5.5%): Abnormally high levels of potassium in the blood, which can cause heart rhythm disturbances. {Dizziness} (1-10%): A sensation of lightheadedness or feeling faint. {Nausea} (1-10%): An unpleasant sensation in the stomach, often accompanied by an urge to vomit. {Diarrhea} (1-5%): Frequent and watery bowel movements. {Gynecomastia} (enlargement of male breast tissue, 1-5%): Swelling of breast tissue in men, which can be tender or painful.

Contraindications:

{Spironolactone} should not be used in patients with a known allergy to spironolactone, {hyperkalemia}, severe kidney disease, or {Addison’s disease} (adrenal insufficiency).

Drug to Drug Interactions:

{ACE inhibitors} (e.g., Lisinopril, Enalapril): Increased risk of hyperkalemia. {Angiotensin receptor blockers} (ARBs) (e.g., Losartan, Valsartan): Increased risk of hyperkalemia. {Potassium supplements} or potassium-containing salt substitutes: Increased risk of hyperkalemia. {NSAIDs} (e.g., Ibuprofen, Naproxen): Reduced diuretic effect of spironolactone and increased risk of kidney damage.

Pregnancy:

{Spironolactone} is classified as pregnancy category C. It should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefits outweigh the risks.

Breastfeeding:

{Spironolactone} is excreted in breast milk. Due to the potential for adverse effects in nursing infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Estimated price of a 30-day supply:

The estimated price of a 30-day supply of {Spironolactone} 25 mg, assuming the patient doesn’t have insurance and is utilizing a GoodRx coupon, is approximately $10-$20. Prices may vary depending on the pharmacy, dosage, and location.

Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.

Aldactone (Spironolactone): Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects

US Brand Name (Generic Name):

Aldactone ({Spironolactone})

Pharmacologic category:

Potassium-sparing diuretic and aldosterone antagonist. Other medications in this category include {Eplerenone} (Inspra), {Amiloride} (Midamor), and {Triamterene} (Dyrenium).

Diseases Treated, Dosing, and Treatment Duration

{Edema} (fluid retention) associated with congestive heart failure: Initial dose of 25-100 mg daily, adjusted based on response.
{Edema} associated with liver cirrhosis: Initial dose of 100 mg daily, adjusted based on response.
{Ascites}: Initial dose of 100 mg daily, adjusted based on response.
{Hypertension} (high blood pressure): Initial dose of 25-50 mg daily, adjusted based on response.
{Primary aldosteronism}: Initial dose of 100-400 mg daily, adjusted based on response.
{Secondary hyperaldosteronism}: Dosing depends on the underlying cause; consult a healthcare provider for individualized recommendations.
{Nephrotic syndrome}: Initial dose of 25-200 mg daily, adjusted based on response.
{Polycystic ovary syndrome} (PCOS) – off-label use for hirsutism and acne: Initial dose of 50-200 mg daily, adjusted based on response.
{Acne vulgaris} – off-label use: Initial dose of 50-100 mg daily, adjusted based on response.

Dosage Forms and strengths:

{Spironolactone} is available in oral tablet form in strengths of 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg.

Administration Instructions:

It should be taken as directed by a healthcare provider, usually once daily or divided into two doses. It can be taken with or without food but should be taken consistently either with food or without food.

Adverse Reactions and Side Effects:

{Hyperkalemia} (high potassium levels, >5.5%): Abnormally high levels of potassium in the blood, which can cause heart rhythm disturbances. {Dizziness} (1-10%): A sensation of lightheadedness or feeling faint. {Nausea} (1-10%): An unpleasant sensation in the stomach, often accompanied by an urge to vomit. {Diarrhea} (1-5%): Frequent and watery bowel movements. {Gynecomastia} (enlargement of male breast tissue, 1-5%): Swelling of breast tissue in men, which can be tender or painful.

Contraindications:

{Spironolactone} should not be used in patients with a known allergy to spironolactone, {hyperkalemia}, severe kidney disease, or {Addison’s disease} (adrenal insufficiency).

Drug to Drug Interactions:

{ACE inhibitors} (e.g., Lisinopril, Enalapril): Increased risk of hyperkalemia. {Angiotensin receptor blockers} (ARBs) (e.g., Losartan, Valsartan): Increased risk of hyperkalemia. {Potassium supplements} or potassium-containing salt substitutes: Increased risk of hyperkalemia. {NSAIDs} (e.g., Ibuprofen, Naproxen): Reduced diuretic effect of spironolactone and increased risk of kidney damage.

Pregnancy:

{Spironolactone} is classified as pregnancy category C. It should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefits outweigh the risks.

Breastfeeding:

{Spironolactone} is excreted in breast milk. Due to the potential for adverse effects in nursing infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Estimated price of a 30-day supply:

The estimated price of a 30-day supply of {Spironolactone} 25 mg, assuming the patient doesn’t have insurance and is utilizing a GoodRx coupon, is approximately $10-$20. Prices may vary depending on the pharmacy, dosage, and location.

Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.

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