Aldactone 100 Mg Tablet (15 Tab)

ALDACTONE 100 MG TABLET is a medication primarily used as a diuretic.

• Name:

  • Brand Name: ALDACTONE 100 MG TABLET
  • Common Name: Spironolactone (as the active ingredient)

• Composition:

  • Each uncoated tablet contains Spironolactone IP 100mg.

• Uses: ALDACTONE 100 MG TABLET is prescribed for several medical conditions, including:

  • Edema (fluid overload) associated with hepatic cirrhosis, congestive heart failure, and nephrotic syndrome.
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure).
  • Hypokalemia (low blood potassium levels).
  • Primary hyperaldosteronism (a condition with excessive aldosterone hormone).
  • Heart failure.

• Dosage and Administration: The dosage of ALDACTONE 100 MG TABLET varies based on the medical condition and patient response.

  • For essential hypertension, the initial daily dose typically ranges from 25 to 100 mg, administered in single or divided doses. Doses greater than 100 mg/day usually do not provide additional blood pressure reductions.
  • For edema, an initial daily dose of 100 mg is recommended, administered in single or divided doses, but can range from 25 mg to 200 mg daily. For cirrhosis, therapy initiation in a hospital setting with slow titration is advised.
  • For primary hyperaldosteronism, doses of 100 to 400 mg daily may be administered in preparation for surgery or as long-term maintenance.
  • It can be taken with or without food, but consistency in administration with respect to food is important.

• Side Effects: Common side effects may include:

  • Low blood pressure, dehydration, drowsiness, dizziness.
  • High potassium levels (hyperkalaemia), low sodium levels (hyponatraemia), elevated creatinine levels.
  • Headaches, breast enlargement in males (gynaecomastia), and absence of menstrual periods in females (amenorrhea).
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, fatigue, weakness, lethargy, and hair loss. Serious side effects, though less common, can include severe allergic reactions, significant electrolyte imbalances, and kidney injury.

• Precautions:

  • Avoid if allergic to spironolactone or its components.
  • Contraindicated in conditions such as hyperkalemia, severe kidney disease (creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/min), Addison's disease, anuria, and cardiogenic shock.
  • Use with caution in patients with liver disease.
  • Avoid potassium supplements and potassium-rich foods (e.g., bananas, broccoli, salt substitutes) as this medicine increases blood potassium levels.
  • Concomitant use with ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and NSAIDs may increase the risk of hyperkalemia.
  • Consumption of alcohol is unsafe as it can increase side effects like dizziness and low blood pressure.
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding should be discussed with a doctor, as it may be unsafe.

• Storage: Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight, typically below 25°C (77°F). Keep out of sight and reach of children.

Here are some frequently asked questions about Aldactone 100 mg Tablet:

What is Aldactone 100 mg Tablet used for?

Aldactone 100 mg Tablet, containing spironolactone, is primarily used to treat fluid overload (oedema) associated with conditions such as congestive heart failure, chronic liver damage (hepatic cirrhosis), and certain kidney conditions (nephrotic syndrome). It is also effective in managing high blood pressure (hypertension), low blood potassium levels (hypokalemia), and a condition involving excessive aldosterone hormone (primary hyperaldosteronism).

How does Aldactone 100 mg Tablet work?

This medicine is a potassium-sparing diuretic (often called a "water pill"). It works by blocking the effects of a hormone called aldosterone in the body. This action helps the kidneys eliminate excess water and sodium from the body through increased urine production, while preventing the excessive loss of potassium. By reducing fluid levels, it helps lower blood pressure and decreases the workload on the heart.

What is the usual dosage for Aldactone 100 mg Tablet?

The dosage of Aldactone 100 mg Tablet varies depending on the medical condition being treated. For oedema, an initial daily dose of 100 mg, administered in single or divided doses, is often recommended, but it can range from 25 mg to 200 mg daily. For hypertension, the typical starting dose ranges from 25 mg to 100 mg daily, given in single or divided doses. For severe heart failure, treatment might start at 25 mg once daily. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose and how often you should take it. It can be taken with or without food, but it should be taken consistently (always with food or always without food) and often once daily, usually in the morning to prevent nighttime urination.

What are the possible side effects of Aldactone 100 mg Tablet?

Common side effects may include low blood pressure, dehydration, drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Electrolyte imbalances such as high potassium levels (hyperkalemia) or low sodium levels (hyponatremia) can occur. Other side effects can include breast enlargement in males (gynecomastia), breast pain or tenderness, irregular menstrual periods or absence of periods in females, and changes in sex drive. If any side effects persist or become severe, inform your doctor.

Is Aldactone 100 mg Tablet safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Aldactone 100 mg Tablet is generally not recommended during pregnancy due to potential risks to the developing baby, particularly male fetuses. Breastfeeding should also be avoided while taking this medication, as its active metabolite, canrenone, can pass into breast milk, and the long-term effects on a breastfed infant are not fully known. Always consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Can Aldactone 100 mg Tablet be taken with other medications?

Aldactone 100 mg Tablet can interact with various medications. It is important to avoid potassium supplements, potassium-rich foods (like bananas and broccoli), and salt substitutes that contain potassium, as this can lead to dangerously high potassium levels in the blood. Caution is advised when taken with other blood pressure medicines such as ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and certain diuretics like eplerenone, as these combinations can increase the risk of hyperkalemia. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or aspirin can also interact with Aldactone, potentially reducing its effectiveness and increasing the risk of kidney problems or high potassium levels. Always inform your doctor about all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are taking.

What precautions should be taken while taking Aldactone 100 mg Tablet?

Do not take Aldactone 100 mg Tablet if you are allergic to spironolactone, have severe kidney disease (such as anuria or very low kidney function), high blood potassium levels (hyperkalemia), low blood sodium levels (hyponatremia), Addison's disease, or very low blood pressure (hypotension). Your doctor will regularly monitor your kidney function and electrolyte levels while you are on this medication. Alcohol consumption should be limited or avoided as it can increase side effects like dizziness and low blood pressure. This medication may cause drowsiness or dizziness, so exercise caution when driving or operating machinery.

What happens if a dose of Aldactone 100 mg Tablet is missed?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

How should Aldactone 100 mg Tablet be stored?

Aldactone 100 mg Tablets should be stored in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight, typically below 25°C (77°F). Keep the medication out of the sight and reach of children.