Spironolactone is a blood pressure medication. It flushes excess salt and water from the body and controls high blood pressure. Spironolactone is used in the diagnosis and treatment of hyperaldosteronism, a condition in which the adrenal gland secretes too much aldosterone (a hormone that regulates the body s salt and potassium levels). Spironolactone is also used in treating other conditions that require the elimination of excess fluid from the body. These conditions include congestive heart failure,

Take Spironolactone exactly as prescribed by your doctor. 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 2 doses at the same time.

Storage instructions:
Store at room temperature.

Preparations:
Tablets (25mg, 50mg, and 100mg).

If Spironolactone is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered.

It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Spironolactone with the following: 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 (NSAIDs) such as Advil, Aleve, and Motrin, Norepinephrine

The effects of Spironolactone during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.

Spironolactone appears in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant.

If Spironolactone medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment with this medication is finished. Potassium supplements or other diuretics that leave your potassium levels high, such as Maxzide, should not be

Side effects of Spironolactone cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking 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,