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Spironolactone |
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What is Spironolactone and why is it prescribed? Spironolactone flushes excess salt and water from the body and controls high blood pressure. It is used in the diagnosis and treatment of hyperaldosteronism, a condition in which the adrenal gland secretes too much aldosterone. Spironolactone is also used in treating other conditions that require the elimination of excess fluid from the body. These conditions include congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, cirrhosis of the liver, kidney disease, and unusually low potassium levels in the blood. When used for high blood pressure, Spironolactone can be taken alone or with other high blood pressure medications. If you have high blood pressure, you must take Spironolactone regularly for it to be effective. Spironolactone does not cure high blood pressure but it keeps it under control. How should you take Spironolactone? Follow your doctors directions for taking Spironolactone. Stopping Spironolactone suddenly could cause your condition to worsen. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time. Store Spironolactone at room temperature. Are there any Spironolactone side effects? Spironolactone side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Spironolactone side effects may include abdominal cramps, breast development in males, change in potassium levels (leading to such symptoms as dry mouth, excessive thirst, weak or irregular heartbeat, and muscle pain or cramps), deepening of voice, diarrhea, drowsiness, excessive hairiness, fever, headache, hives, irregular menstruation, kidney problems, lack of coordination, lethargy, liver problems, mental confusion, postmenopausal bleeding, severe allergic reaction, sexual dysfunction, skin eruptions, stomach bleeding, stomach inflammation, ulcers, and vomiting. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Spironolactone? If Spironolactone is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Spironolactone with ACE inhibitors (such as Vasotec and Capoten), Alcohol, Barbiturates (such as phenobarbital and Seconal), Digoxin (Lanoxin), Indomethacin (Indocin), Lithium (Lithonate), Narcotic drugs (such as those containing codeine), Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as Advil, Aleve, and Motrin), Norepinephrine (Levophed), Other water pills (such as Lasix and HydroDIURIL), Other high blood pressure medications (such as Aldomet and Procardia XL), or Steroids (such as prednisone). Are there any special warnings about Spironolactone? Potassium supplements or other diuretics that leave your potassium levels high, such as Maxzide, should not be used while taking Spironolactone, unless specifically indicated by your doctor. Symptoms of excess potassium include tingling sensations, fatigue, muscle weakness or paralysis, and a slow heartbeat. If you develop these problems, call your doctor immediately. ACE inhibitors (Vasotec, Capoten), used for blood pressure and heart failure, should not be taken while using Spironolactone. If you are taking Spironolactone, your kidney function should be given a complete assessment and should continue to be monitored. If you have liver disease, your doctor will be cautious about using Spironolactone. Excessive sweating, severe diarrhea, or vomiting could cause you to lose too much water and cause your blood pressure to become too low. Signs of dehydration include thirst, dry mouth, weakness, drowsiness, muscle fatigue, muscle cramps, restlessness, reduced urination, and a rapid heartbeat. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids whenever dehydration threatens, and be careful when exercising in hot weather. Notify your doctor or dentist that you are taking Spironolactone if you have a medical emergency, and before you have surgery or dental treatment. |
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