Aldactone

spironolactone

[spi″rah-no-lak´tōn] one of the spirolactones, a competitive antagonist of aldosterone" >aldosterone and a potassium-sparing diuretic; used in treatment of edema, hypokalemia, primary aldosteronism" >aldosteronism, and (usually in combination with other drugs) hypertension.

spironolactone

Aldactone, Novo-Spiroton (CA)

Pharmacologic class: Aldosterone inhibitor

Therapeutic class: Potassium-sparing diuretic

Pregnancy risk category D

FDA Box Warning

• Drug induced tumors in chronic toxicity studies in rats. Use only in conditions listed under "Indications and dosages." Avoid unnecessary use.

Action

Inhibits aldosterone effects in distal renal tubule, promoting sodium and water excretion and potassium retention

Availability

Tablets: 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg

Indications and dosages

➣ Edema caused by heart failure, hepatic cirrhosis, or nephrotic syndrome

Adults: As sole diuretic, initially 100 mg/day P.O. (range of 25 to 200 mg) in single or divided doses, continued for 5 or more days and then adjusted to optimal therapeutic level

Children: 1 to 3 mg/kg/day P.O. as a single dose or in divided doses

➣ Essential hypertension

Adults: Initially, 50 to 100 mg/day P.O. as a single dose or in divided doses, continued for at least 2 weeks

Children: 1 to 2 mg/kg P.O. b.i.d.

➣ Hypokalemia

Adults: 25 to 100 mg/day P.O.

➣ Diagnosis and treatment of primary hyperaldosteronism

Adults: For diagnosis, 400 mg/day P.O. for 4 days in short test or for 3 to 4 weeks in long test. Resolution of hypokalemia and hypertension confirm diagnosis of primary hyperaldosteronism. Dosages of 100 to 400 mg/day P.O. may be used as a bridge to surgical therapy; in patients unsuitable for this therapy, lowest effective dosage may be used for long-term maintenance.

Off-label uses

• Acne vulgaris

• Familial male precocious puberty (given with other drugs)

• Premenstrual syndrome

Contraindications

• Anuria, acute renal insufficiency, significant impairment of renal excretory function

• Hyperkalemia

Precautions

Use cautiously in:

• hepatic dysfunction, diabetes mellitus, fluid and electrolyte imbalances, severe heart failure

• concurrent use of other potassium-sparing diuretics, such as amiloride and triamterene (avoid use)

• concurrent use of potassium supplements (avoid use with serum potassium level greater than 3.5 mEq/L)

• concurrent use of ACE inhibitors and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (use with extreme caution)

• concurrent use of lithium (generally avoid use)

• elderly or debilitated patients

• pregnant or breastfeeding patients

• children (safety not established).

Administration

• Give single daily dose with breakfast. If two daily doses are prescribed, give second dose with food in mid-afternoon.

Adverse reactions

CNS: headache, drowsiness, lethargy, ataxia, confusion

GI: vomiting, diarrhea, cramping, gastritis, GI ulcers, GI bleeding

GU: gynecomastia, irregular menses or amenorrhea, postmenopausal bleeding, erectile dysfunction, breast cancer

Hematologic: agranulocytosis

Metabolic: hyponatremia, hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis, hyperkalemia

Skin: rash, pruritus, hirsutism, drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis

Other: deepening of voice, drug fever, hypersensitivity (including vasculitis, anaphylactic reactions)

Interactions

Drug-drug. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, NSAIDs, potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplements, other potassium-containing drugs: increased risk of hyperkalemia

Anticoagulants, heparin: reduced hypoprothrombinemic effects of these drugs

Digoxin: increased digoxin blood level

Lithium: reduced lithium renal clearance and increased risk of lithium toxicity

Salicylates: decreased diuretic effect

Drug-diagnostic tests. Blood urea nitrogen, potassium: increased levels

Digoxin assays: false digoxin elevation

Granulocytes: decreased count

Drug-food. Potassium-containing salt substitutes, potassium-rich diet: increased risk of hyperkalemia

Drug-herbs. Licorice: potassium loss

Patient monitoring

See Monitor electrolyte levels (especially potassium), particularly in patients with severe heart failure. Watch for signs and symptoms of imbalances and metabolic acidosis. Interrupt or discontinue treatment for serum potassium level greater than 5 mEq/L or serum creatinine greater than 4 mg/dl.

• Monitor weight and fluid intake and output. Stay alert for indications of fluid imbalance.

• Monitor CBC with white cell differential.

Patient teaching

• Tell patient to take daily dose with breakfast. If two daily doses are prescribed, advise him to take second dose with food in mid-afternoon.

• Advise patient to restrict intake of high-potassium foods and to avoid licorice and salt substitutes containing potassium.

• Tell male patient drug may cause breast enlargement.

• Caution patient to avoid driving and other hazardous activities until he knows how drug affects concentration and alertness.

• As appropriate, review all other significant and life-threatening adverse reactions and interactions, especially those related to the drugs, tests, foods, and herbs mentioned above.

Aldactone

(ăl-dăk′tōn) A trademark for the drug spironolactone.

Aldactone

A brand name for SPIRONOLACTONE.

Aldactone

Aldactone

spironolactone

spironolactone

FDA Box Warning

Action

Availability

Indications and dosages

Off-label uses

Contraindications

Precautions

Administration

Adverse reactions

Interactions

Patient monitoring

Patient teaching

Aldactone

Aldactone

Aldactone

Synonyms for Aldactone

noun a synthetic corticosteroid (trade name Aldactone) used to treat hypertension

Synonyms

Related Words