Pirolacton (other name Aldactone)

Common use

Magnium and potassium-sparing diuretic and aldosterone antagonist. It competitively associates with aldosterone receptors in in the distal parts of the nephron. It has a diuretic effect, increases excretion of natrium ions and decreases excretion of potassium and magnium, decreases urinary acidity. The diuretic effect of the medicine is moderate and appears usually after 2-5 days of treatment and continues during 2-3 days after discontinuance of the medicine intake. A weak hypotension effect appear usually in 2-3 weeks of treatment. Aldactone is used in combination with other drugs to treat hypertension. It also facilitates removal of excess fluid from the body in congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, and kidney disease.

Dosage and direction

Daily dose for adults in arterial hypertension, edema syndrome is 50-100 mg for adults. It should be divided into 1-2 intakes a day. On necessity the dose maybe gradually increased up to 200 mg a day. Duration of treatment is not less than two weeks. For other conditions such as chronic congestive heart failure, cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome and others different dosage maybe recommended. Consult your doctor before you decide to take this medicine. Aldactone should be taken after a meal and the most preferable is a single dose before bedtime.

Precautions

Do not drink alcohol as it increases some of the side effects of Aldactone. Avoid eating too much salt because excess of salt may cause your body to retain water and effectiveness of Aldactone decreases. It is recommended not to take salt substitutes or low-sodium milk products which contain potassium. Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercising. Talk with your doctor about amount of liquids you should consume. Do not stop using this medicine even if you feel improvement of your health if you are being treated for high blood pressure.

Contraindication

Hypersensitivity, Addison disease, hypercaliemia, hyperpotassiemia, concomitant intake with potassium supplements or other potassium-sparing diuretics such as Aldactazide, amiloride (Midamor, Moduretic), triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide), hyponatriemia, chronic kidney failure, diabetic nephropathy, anuria, liver failure, diabetes at supposed chronic kidney failure, diabetic nephropathy, pregnancy, and some others. Please take this medicine only if it is advised by your doctor.

Possible side effect

Side effects of the medicine include headache, diarrhea, cramps, drowsiness, rash, nausea, vomiting, impotence, irregular menstrual periods, and irregular hair growth. Fluid and electrolytes imbalance are likely, so patients should be monitored carefully. Enlargement of the breasts may also occur depending on dose and duration of therapy. This condition is usually reversible when you discontinue to take Aldactone.

Drug interaction

This medicine can lower blood sodium levels while raising blood potassium levels. Excessively high potassium levels in blood sometimes cause potentially life-threatening abnormalities in heart rhythm. Therefore, Aldactone usually is not administered with other agents that can raise blood potassium levels. Aldactone can cause elevation of blood digoxin (Lanoxin) to toxic levels.

Missed dose

Never take a double dose of this medication. If it is almost time of the next dose just skip the missed portion and continue to take the medicine according to the schedule.

Overdose

Immediate medical attention in needed in case you overdosed intake of the medicine. Overdose symptoms may include drowsiness, confusion, red skin rash, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Storage

Aldactone should be stored at room temperature, below 25 C (77 F). 

Disclaimer

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