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GENERIC NAME
SPIRONOLACTONE - ORAL

(SPY-row-no-LACK-tone)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S)
Aldactone

WARNING
This medication can raise your body's potassium levels. This is more likely to occur in people with kidney problems, diabetes, in elderly patients, or if the patient is severely ill. Potassium levels must be closely monitored in people with any of these problems or illnesses. If not treated, very high potassium levels can be fatal. If you develop any of the following symptoms, notify your doctor immediately: muscle weakness, irregular or slow heartbeat.

USES
This drug is a diuretic or "water pill". It reduces the amount of water and sodium retained by the body. It is used to lower blood pressure, treat fluid retention (edema) and raise low potassium levels.

HOW TO USE
Take this exactly as prescribed. Do not skip doses or increase the dose without your doctor's approval. Take with food or milk to minimize stomach upset. Because this drug may increase urination, avoid taking a dose right before bedtime.

SIDE EFFECTS
This drug may cause dizziness or blurred vision. Watch for signs of dehydration such as dry mouth or thirst. You may experience nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue, sleeplessness or nasal congestion the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor promptly. Unlikely, but report promptly if you develop: yellowing of the skin, deepening of the voice, sore throat, weakness, irregular pulse, persistent cough, decreased sexual ability, change in the amount of urine, increased breast size, breast soreness. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, breathing trouble. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS
Tell your doctor your medical history especially of: kidney or liver disease, urinary problems, diabetes, sodium or potassium imbalances, any allergies. Because this drug changes your fluid balance, you may feel dizzy if you change from a lying to a standing position too rapidly. Avoid this by rising slowly. If this drug makes you dizzy, use caution while engaging in activities that require alertness such as driving or using machinery. Before having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor you take spironolactone. This drug should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug is excreted into breast milk and the manufacturer of this drug recommends that breast-feeding not be undertaken while using it. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS
Tell your doctor of all medications you may use (both prescription and nonprescription) especially of: other diuretics ("water pills" such as amiloride or triamterene), lithium, digoxin, potassium supplements, cyclosporine, mitotane, ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril, captopril, enalapril), NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen). Aspirin may decrease the effects of spironolactone. Many nonprescription products contain aspirin. Consult your pharmacist if you are uncertain your nonprescription medicines contain aspirin. This medication may increase your potassium levels. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before using potassium-containing products (salt substitutes or potassium supplements) or large amounts of potassium-containing foods (e.g., bananas, potatoes). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, weakness, and lightheadedness.

NOTES
Do not share this medication with others.

MISSED DOSE
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.