What is this medication for?
Spironolactone and hydrochlorothiazide both belong to the family of medications
called diuretics (water pills). They are used for the treatment of
edema (fluid retention) that occurs with congestive
heart failure and disorders of the liver and kidney. This combination of
medications is also used for the treatment of high
blood pressure. It works by making the body lose excess water and salt.
One of the diuretics, spironolactone, is called a potassium-sparing diuretic
and helps the body to retain potassium. Hydrochlorothiazide, on the other hand,
causes potassium to be lost from the system. Potassium supplements are usually
not required with this medication as the effects of the two diuretics balance
each other out. This medication is normally used once the best strength of each
of the ingredients is determined individually.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those
listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all
of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor
or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do
not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms
as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their
doctor has not prescribed it. Do not stop taking this medication without
consulting your doctor.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Aldactazide® is available as:
- tablets
- 25 mg of hydrochlorothiazide and 25 mg of spironolactone
- 50 mg of hydrochlorothiazide and 50 mg of spironolactone
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
This combination medication should not be used for initial treatment. The appropriate
dose of each medication used alone should be determined before using the combination
product.
The recommended doses range from 1 tablet of spironolactone 25 mg -
hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg daily to 4 tablets of spironolactone 50 mg
- hydrochlorothiazide 50 mg daily, taken in single or divided doses
as prescribed by the doctor. If one dose is taken, it should be taken early
in the day to avoid the need to visit the washroom during sleeping hours. Spironolactone
- hydrochlorothiazide may be taken with or without food. If stomach upset occurs,
take the medication with food.
Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of
children.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as
body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor
has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change
the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is very important that this medication be taken on a regular schedule as
prescribed by the doctor. If you miss a dose of this medication, take it as
soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed
dose and carry on with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to
make up for a missed one.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Spironolactone - hydrochlorothiazide should not be taken by anyone who:
- has high blood potassium levels (hyperkalemia)
- has severely reduced liver function or liver failure, except in certain
circumstances
- has significantly reduced kidney function
- is allergic to any of the ingredients of the medication
- is allergic to the class of medications called sulfonamides (sulfa medications)
- is allergic to the class of medications called thiazide diuretics (e.g.,
hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone)
- is unable to urinate
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