Spironolactone Drug: Indication, Dosage, Precaution, Side Effect , Storage, Category Type and corresponding Brands - www.genericdrugscan.com

Spironolactone

pronunciation

pronounced as spir on'' oh lak' tone)

Why is this medication prescribed?

Spironolactone is used to treat certain patients with hyperaldosteronism (the body produces too much aldosterone, a naturally occurring hormone); low potassium levels; heart failure; and in patients with edema (fluid retention) caused by various conditions, including liver, or kidney disease. It is also used alone or with other medications to treat high blood pressure. Spironolactone is in a class of medications called aldosterone receptor antagonists. It causes the kidneys to eliminate unneeded water and sodium from the body into the urine, but reduces the loss of potassium from the body.

High blood pressure is a common condition and when not treated, can cause damage to the brain, heart, blood vessels, kidneys and other parts of the body. Damage to these organs may cause heart disease, a heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, loss of vision, and other problems. In addition to taking medication, making lifestyle changes will also help to control your blood pressure. These changes include eating a diet that is low in fat and salt, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising at least 30 minutes most days, not smoking, and using alcohol in moderation.

How should this medicine be used?

Spironolactone comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken once or twice a day. To help you remember to take spironolactone, take it around the same time(s) every day. Take spironolactone at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take spironolactone exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Your doctor may start you on a low dose of spironolactone and gradually increase your dose.

Spironolactone controls high blood pressure, edema, heart failure, and hyperaldosteronism, but does not cure these conditions. It may take about 2 weeks or longer before the full effect of spironolactone occurs. Continue to take spironolactone even if you feel well. Do not stop taking spironolactone without talking to your doctor.

What are the precautions to be followed?

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to spironolactone; any other medications; or any of the ingredients in spironolactone tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
• tell your doctor if you are taking eplerenone (Inspra). Your doctor may tell you not to take spironolactone if you are taking this medication.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as benazepril (Lotensin, in Lotrel), captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), fosinopril, lisinopril (in Prinzide, in Zestoretic), moexipril (Univasc, in Uniretic), perindopril, (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril, in Accuretic, in Quinaretic), ramipril (Altace), and trandolapril (Mavik, in Tarka); angiotensin II antagonists (angiotensin receptor blockers; ARBs) such as azilsartan (Edarbi, Edarbyclor), candesartan (Atacand, in Atacand HCT), eprosartan (Teveten, in Teveten HCT), irbesartan (Avapro, in Avalide), losartan (Cozaar, in Hyzaar), olmesartan (Benicar, in Azor, Benicar HCT, Tribenzor), telmisartan (Micardis, in Micardis HCT), and valsartan (Diovan, in Diovan HCT, Exforge); aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), indomethacin (Indocin, Tivorbex), and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn); barbiturates such as phenobarbital; cholestyramine (Prevalite); digoxin (Lanoxin); diuretics ('water pills') including potassium-sparing diuretics such as amiloride (Midamor) and triamterene (Dyrenium, in Dyazide, in Maxzide); heparin or low-molecular-weight heparin enoxaparin (Lovenox); lithium (Lithobid); medications to treat high blood pressure; narcotic medications for pain; oral steroids such as dexamethasone, methylprednisolone (Medrol), and prednisone (Rayos); and potassium supplements.
• tell your doctor if you have Addison's disease or other conditions that may cause high blood levels of potassium, or kidney disease. Your doctor may tell you not to take spironolactone.
• tell your doctor if you have liver disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking spironolactone, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking spironolactone.
• you should know that drinking alcohol with this medication may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting when you get up too quickly from a lying position. Talk to your doctor about drinking alcohol while you are taking spironolactone.

What are possible side effects of this medication ?

• vomiting
• diarrhea
• stomach pain or cramps
• dry mouth
• thirst
• dizziness
• unsteadiness
• headache
• enlarged or painful breasts in men or women
• irregular menstrual periods
• vaginal bleeding in post-menopausal ('after the change of life', the end of monthly menstrual periods) women
• difficulty maintaining or achieving an erection
• deepening of voice
• increased hair growth on parts of the body
• drowsiness
• tiredness
• restlessness

• muscle weakness, pain, or cramps
• pain, burning, numbness, or tingling in the hands or feet
• inability to move arms or legs
• changes in heartbeat
• confusion
• nausea
• extreme tiredness
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• lack of energy
• loss of appetite
• pain in the upper right part of the stomach
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• flu-like symptoms
• rash
• hives
• itching
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• vomiting blood
• blood in stools
• decreased urination
• fainting

How to store the medication and dispose it of after its use later?

Keep this medicine in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medicine that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medicine.

Drug Category/Class

• Diuretics
• Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists
• Cardiovascular System
• Potassium-Sparing Agents
• Aldosterone Antagonists
• Cytochrome P-450 CYP2C8 Inhibitors
• Cytochrome P-450 CYP2C8 Inducers
• Aldosterone antagonists

Prescribed	Used primarily to treat low-renin hypertension, hypokalemia, and Conn's syndrome.
Weight :	416.573
Structure	Spironolactone
Formula	C24H32O4S

Spironolactone has 5 Brands listed

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