Aldactone 25: Uses, How It Works, Side Effects
Also in: हिन्दी தமிழ் मराठी తెలుగు ಕನ್ನಡ বাংলা ગુજરાતી മലയാളം ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
Also known as: Aldactone, Aldactone 25 mg, Aldactone 25 tablet, Spironolactone 25 mg
Aldactone 25 is a prescription tablet containing 25 mg of spironolactone, a 'water tablet' that removes extra fluid but keeps potassium in the body. It is used for swelling from fluid build-up, for heart failure, and for high blood pressure when other medicines have not worked. It is taken only on a doctor's prescription. It can raise the potassium level in the blood, so blood tests are needed.
- Active ingredient
- Spironolactone 25 mg
- Type of medicine
- Aldosterone antagonists
- Used for
- Heart failure, High blood pressure
- Starts working in
- Extra urine and a fall in swelling can start within a day or two; the full effect on blood pressure may take longer
- Effect lasts
- It is usually taken once or twice a day; its effect continues while you take it
- With or without food
- Usually taken with food or just after; follow the label or your doctor's advice
- Alcohol
- Ask your doctor; alcohol can add to dizziness and low blood pressure
- Pregnancy
- Not usually recommended; tell your doctor if you are or may be pregnant
- Habit-forming
- No
- Made by
- RPG Life Sciences Ltd
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
On this page
- What is Aldactone 25 used for?
- How does Aldactone 25 work?
- How to take Aldactone 25
- Side effects of Aldactone 25
- Who should be careful
- Medicines and things that interact with Aldactone 25
- If someone takes too much
- Storage
- Regulatory status in India
- Other brands with the same medicine
- Other strengths and forms
- Common questions
What is Aldactone 25 used for?
Aldactone 25 is a prescription medicine. It is used, on a doctor's advice, to remove extra fluid and to treat heart failure and high blood pressure.
- Treating swelling (oedema) caused by fluid build-up
- Treating heart failure, together with other heart medicines
- Treating high blood pressure when other medicines have not worked well enough
How does Aldactone 25 work?
Aldosterone is a hormone that makes the kidneys hold on to salt and water and give up potassium. Spironolactone blocks the aldosterone receptor, so more salt and water leave in the urine while potassium is kept in the body. This reduces extra fluid and can lower blood pressure.
What happens in your body after you take it
You swallow the tablet
The tablet dissolves in the gut and spironolactone is absorbed into the blood. It is usually taken with or just after food.
It travels to the kidneys
Spironolactone is carried in the blood to the kidneys, where aldosterone normally acts on the kidney tubules.
It blocks aldosterone
Spironolactone attaches to the aldosterone receptor and stops the hormone from acting.
Salt and water leave, potassium stays
More salt and water pass out in the urine, but less potassium is lost than with many other water tablets. Extra fluid falls and blood pressure can fall.
Blood tests keep watch
Because potassium can build up in the blood, doctors check potassium and kidney function from time to time.
How to take Aldactone 25
Take Aldactone 25 exactly as your doctor has prescribed or as printed on the pack. Your doctor decides the dose and how long you need it.
- It is usually taken once or twice a day, with food or just after, as your doctor advises.
- Follow the label or your doctor's advice about the time of day.
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time for the next dose. Do not take two doses together.
- Do not stop taking it on your own; talk to your doctor first.
- Your doctor may ask for blood tests, especially to check potassium and kidney function.
Side effects of Aldactone 25
Most people take spironolactone without serious problems. Some side effects are common and mild, but a few need medical help.
Uncommon or mild
- Dizziness
- Feeling sick
- Muscle or leg cramps
- Tiredness
- Breast pain or enlargement, including in men
Rare but serious: get medical help
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing (a severe allergic reaction). Get medical help immediately
- Blistering skin with flu-like symptoms (a rare severe skin reaction). Get medical help immediately
- High potassium in the blood, which can cause weakness, tiredness, tingling or an irregular heartbeat
- Yellow skin or eyes (possible liver problems)
- Passing much less urine (possible kidney problems)
Who should be careful
Some people need to check with a doctor before taking Aldactone 25, or need extra care while taking it.
When the label says not to use it
- Allergy to spironolactone or any ingredient of the tablet
- Severe kidney problems or being unable to pass urine
- Addison's disease or a past high potassium level
- Severe kidney problems, or being unable to pass urine properly
- Addison's disease, or a past high potassium level
- Liver problems
- A past allergic reaction to spironolactone
- Pregnancy: it is not usually recommended. Breastfeeding: ask your doctor first
- Potassium supplements and potassium-rich foods or salt substitutes: they can push potassium too high; ask your doctor or a dietitian
- Dizziness: take care when driving or using machinery
Medicines and things that interact with Aldactone 25
Aldactone 25 can change how other medicines work, and some medicines change its effect. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you take, including herbal remedies and painkillers bought over the counter.
- Potassium supplements, and salt substitutes: potassium can become too high
- ACE inhibitors such as ramipril, and other medicines that raise potassium: the risk of high potassium rises
- Eplerenone
- Digoxin: its level can change
- NSAID painkillers such as ibuprofen, aspirin at pain-relief doses and diclofenac: they can strain the kidneys and raise potassium
- Other blood pressure medicines and water tablets: blood pressure may fall too low
If someone takes too much
Taking one extra tablet by mistake is unlikely to cause problems, but more than prescribed can be dangerous. If someone has taken more than prescribed, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital and take the medicine pack with you.
Storage
Store below 30 C in a dry place, protected from light and moisture, in the original strip, and out of the reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date. Check the pack for the exact storage instructions.
Regulatory status in India
Approved for sale in India as a prescription medicine. Single-ingredient spironolactone is not on the CDSCO list of medicines banned under section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Aldactone 25 contains spironolactone only.
Other brands with the same medicine
Spironolactone 25 mg tablets are sold under other brand names and as generic medicines. They contain the same medicine; check the label for the strength. Some products also contain other medicines, such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide, so do not switch between them without asking your doctor.
Other strengths and forms
Spironolactone is sold in different strengths and in combination tablets with other water tablets. The strength and contents are printed on the pack and are not the same across products, so check the label of the one you have.
Common questions
Is Aldactone 25 a prescription medicine?
Yes. Spironolactone is a prescription-only medicine. It should be taken only if a doctor has prescribed it, and it should not be started, stopped or changed without the doctor's advice.
Why does Aldactone 25 need blood tests?
Spironolactone can raise the potassium level in the blood and affect the kidneys. High potassium can cause weakness or an irregular heartbeat, so doctors check blood tests from time to time. Follow your doctor's advice.
Can I eat bananas or use salt substitutes on Aldactone 25?
Bananas, avocados and salt substitutes such as low-sodium salt are rich in potassium and can push the level too high. Ask your doctor or a dietitian what is right for you. Do not change your diet drastically on your own.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Aldactone 25?
Take it as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time for the next dose. Then skip the missed one. Never take two doses together to make up for a missed one.
Can Aldactone 25 cause breast enlargement?
Breast pain or enlargement is a known common side effect, including in men. Tell your doctor if it troubles you; do not stop the medicine on your own.
Is Aldactone 25 safe in pregnancy?
It is not usually recommended in pregnancy because it could affect the baby's development. If you are pregnant, may become pregnant or are planning a baby, tell your doctor. Do not stop it without speaking to your doctor.
Is Aldactone 25 the same as Lasix?
No. Both are water tablets, but they act differently. Spironolactone keeps potassium in the body; furosemide can lower potassium. Doctors sometimes prescribe both. Take each exactly as your doctor has prescribed.
What is the difference between Aldactone 25 and spironolactone 25 mg?
Aldactone is a brand name, and spironolactone is the medicine inside it. Generic spironolactone 25 mg tablets contain the same active ingredient. Check the strength and ingredient list on the pack, and ask your doctor before switching.
Sources
- Spironolactone: a medicine to remove excess fluid. NHS (UK)
- Heart failure. NHS (UK)
- ATC/DDD Index: C03DA01 spironolactone. WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology
- List of drugs prohibited for manufacture and sale through gazette notifications under section 26A of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act 1940. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)