Aldactone: Effective Potassium-Sparing Diuretic Therapy
| Product dosage: 100mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per pill | Price | Buy |
| 60 | $1.11 | $66.45 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 90 | $1.04 | $99.68 $93.64 (6%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 120 | $1.02 | $132.91 $121.83 (8%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 180 | $0.99 | $199.36 $178.21 (11%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 270 | $0.97 | $299.04 $260.78 (13%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 360 | $0.96
Best per pill | $398.72 $347.37 (13%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
Aldactone (spironolactone) is a prescription medication belonging to the class of potassium-sparing diuretics. It functions as a competitive antagonist of aldosterone, primarily acting on the distal renal tubules to promote sodium and water excretion while conserving potassium. This mechanism makes it a cornerstone therapy for managing conditions like heart failure, hypertension, and edema associated with hepatic cirrhosis or nephrotic syndrome. Its additional antiandrogenic properties also render it valuable in treating hormonal acne and hirsutism in women.
Features
- Active ingredient: Spironolactone
- Drug class: Potassium-sparing diuretic, aldosterone antagonist
- Available formulations: 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg oral tablets
- Prescription status: Requires medical supervision
- Half-life: Approximately 1.4 hours for parent drug; active metabolites 13–24 hours
- Bioavailability: >90% following oral administration
- Metabolism: Hepatic, via CYP3A4 enzyme system
- Excretion: Primarily renal (40–65%) and biliary (35–55%)
Benefits
- Reduces fluid retention and edema without significant potassium depletion
- Lowers blood pressure through dual natriuretic and anti-aldosterone effects
- Improves survival in patients with heart failure by counteracting neurohormonal activation
- Decreases portal hypertension and ascites in cirrhotic patients
- Offers dermatological benefits for androgen-dependent conditions like acne and hirsutism
- May provide renal protective effects in proteinuric kidney diseases
Common use
Aldactone is indicated for the treatment of essential hypertension, either as monotherapy or in combination with other antihypertensive agents. It is widely used in managing edema associated with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, and nephrotic syndrome. The medication has demonstrated significant mortality benefit in patients with severe heart failure when used in conjunction with standard therapy. Off-label, it is frequently prescribed for hormonal acne in women, hirsutism, and female pattern hair loss. It also finds application in the management of primary hyperaldosteronism and hypokalemia.
Dosage and direction
For hypertension: Initial dose typically ranges from 50–100 mg daily, either as single or divided doses. Maintenance doses may vary from 25–200 mg daily based on therapeutic response. For edema in adults: Initial dose of 100 mg daily, either single or divided dose, titrating to response. For heart failure: Starting dose of 25 mg once daily, with gradual titration to target dose of 50 mg once daily. Tablets should be taken with meals to enhance absorption and minimize gastrointestinal upset. Dosage adjustments are necessary in renal impairment, and periodic monitoring of electrolytes is essential during therapy.
Precautions
Patients should be monitored regularly for electrolyte imbalances, particularly hyperkalemia, which may occur especially in patients with renal impairment or diabetes. Regular assessment of renal function is recommended during therapy. Caution is advised in patients with hepatic impairment due to potential for electrolyte disturbances and hepatic encephalopathy. Blood pressure should be monitored periodically to assess therapeutic response. Patients should avoid potassium supplements and potassium-rich diets unless specifically directed by their physician. Breast cancer risk should be considered in long-term therapy due to spironolactone’s hormonal effects.
Contraindications
Aldactone is contraindicated in patients with anuria, acute renal insufficiency, significant impairment of renal function, or hyperkalemia. Additional contraindications include Addison’s disease and known hypersensitivity to spironolactone or any component of the formulation. Concurrent use with eplerenone is contraindicated. The medication should not be used in pregnancy due to potential antiandrogenic effects on the developing male fetus. It is generally not recommended during breastfeeding.
Possible side effect
Common side effects include dizziness, headache, gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), and gynecomastia in males. Electrolyte abnormalities such as hyperkalemia and hyponatremia may occur. Endocrine effects can include menstrual irregularities, impotence, and decreased libido. Dermatological reactions like rash and pruritus have been reported. Less frequently, patients may experience drowsiness, lethargy, or confusion. Serious but rare adverse effects include Stevens-Johnson syndrome, agranulocytosis, and hepatotoxicity.
Drug interaction
Significant interactions occur with other potassium-sparing agents, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and NSAIDs, increasing hyperkalemia risk. Concurrent use with digoxin may increase digoxin levels. Spironolactone may enhance the effects of other antihypertensive medications. CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, ritonavir) may increase spironolactone concentrations. The drug may decrease the effectiveness of oral anticoagulants. Lithium levels may increase due to reduced renal clearance. Caution is advised with other nephrotoxic agents.
Missed dose
If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered unless it is nearly time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular dosing schedule resumed. Patients should not double the dose to make up for a missed one. Consistent daily administration is important for maintaining therapeutic effect, particularly in hypertension and heart failure management.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose primarily manifest as electrolyte disturbances, particularly hyperkalemia, which may present with muscle weakness, paralysis, cardiac conduction abnormalities, and potentially fatal arrhythmias. Dehydration and hyponatremia may also occur. Gastric lavage may be considered if ingestion was recent. Treatment is supportive and includes discontinuation of the drug, potassium restriction, and management of hyperkalemia with calcium gluconate, insulin with glucose, sodium bicarbonate, or potassium-binding resins. Hemodialysis may be necessary in severe cases.
Storage
Store at controlled room temperature between 20°C–25°C (68°F–77°F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep in the original container with the lid tightly closed. Do not store in bathroom cabinets where humidity levels may fluctuate. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use after the expiration date printed on the packaging. Properly dispose of any unused medication according to local regulations.
Disclaimer
This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Aldactone is a prescription medication that should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Individual response to therapy may vary, and appropriate monitoring is essential. Patients should consult their physician for personalized medical advice and before making any changes to their treatment regimen. The full prescribing information should be reviewed before initiating therapy.
Reviews
Clinical studies demonstrate Aldactone’s efficacy in reducing mortality in severe heart failure by 30% compared to placebo. In hypertension management, it shows significant blood pressure reduction, particularly in low-renin hypertension. Dermatological studies report 50-80% improvement in hormonal acne after 3-6 months of therapy. Patient reviews frequently note improvement in edema symptoms within 1-2 weeks of initiation. Some users report side effects including menstrual irregularities and fatigue, while others describe it as “life-changing” for heart failure symptoms and acne control. Long-term users emphasize the importance of regular monitoring and dose adjustments.