Aldactone (Spironolactone) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 3, 2012

Aldactone

Cirrhosis (Liver) »

What is cirrhosis?

Cirrhosis is a complication of many liver diseases that is characterized by abnormal structure and function of the liver. The diseases that lead to cirrhosis do so because they injure and kill liver cells, and the inflammation and repair that is associated with the dying liver cells causes scar tissue to form. The liver cells that do not die multiply in an attempt to replace the cells that have died. This results in clusters of newly-formed liver cells (regenerative nodules) within the scar tissue. There are many causes of cirrhosis; they include chemicals (such as alcohol, fat, and certain medications), viruses, toxic metals (such as iron and copper that accumulate in the liver as a result of genetic diseases), and autoimmune liver disease in which the body's immune system attacks the liver.

Why does cirrhosis cause problems?

The liver is an important organ in the body. It performs many...

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Aldactone

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Aldactone®
(spironolactone) Tablets, USP

WARNING

Aldactone (spironolactone) has been shown to be a tumorigen in chronic toxicity studies in rats (see PRECAUTIONS). Aldactone (spironolactone) should be used only in those conditions described under INDICATIONS. Unnecessary use of this drug should be avoided.

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Aldactone (spironolactone) oral tablets contain 25 mg, 50 mg, or 100 mg of the aldosterone antagonist spironolactone, 17-hydroxy-7α-mercapto-3-oxo-17α-pregn-4-ene-21-carboxylic acid γ-lactone acetate, which has the following structural formula:

Aldactone®
(spironolactone) Structural Formula Illustration

Spironolactone is practically insoluble in water, soluble in alcohol, and freely soluble in benzene and in chloroform.

Inactive ingredients include calcium sulfate, corn starch, flavor, hypromellose, iron oxide, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol, povidone, and titanium dioxide.

What are the possible side effects of spironolactone (Aldactone)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

numbness or tingly feeling;
muscle pain or weakness;
slow, fast, or uneven heartbeat;
feeling drowsy, restless, or light-headed;
urinating less than usual or not at all;
shallow breathing;

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Aldactone »

What are the precautions when taking spironolactone (Aldactone)?

Before taking spironolactone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: no urine output (anuria), severe kidney disease, high blood potassium (hyperkalemia).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver or kidney problems, untreated mineral imbalance (e.g., low sodium).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.

This...

Read All Potential Precautions of Aldactone »

Last reviewed on RxList: 12/15/2010
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.