Aldactone is the brand name of the drug spironolactone. The drug is a potassium-sparing diuretic, according to Drugs.com. It prevents the body from absorbing high levels of salt and prevents potassium levels from dropping too low. Drugs.com indicates the medicine is used for the diagnosis or treatment of a condition where aldosterone levels are too high in the body. Aldosterone is a hormone produced in the body to regulate the salt and water balance. As with any medication, Aldactone has the risk of side effects.
Less Serious Side Effects
Unless persistent or overly bothersome, the most commonly occurring side effects are considered harmless. Drugs.com suggests these less serious side effects to include mild nausea, mild vomiting, dizziness, headache, gas, abdominal pain or skin rash. These effects may go away over time, but concern should be discussed with your doctor. Other mild side effects reported by eMedTV.com are impotence in men or menstrual disturbances in women.
Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects should be reported to a doctor, and Aldactone should be discontinued. Drugs.com suggests several possible hazards including numbness, tingling of the body, muscle pain, muscle fatigue, irregular heartbeat, rapid or slowed heart rate, drowsiness, restlessness, lightheadedness, decreased or non-existent urination, shallow breathing tremors or confusion. eMedTV.com explains that many of these symptoms can be attributed to a high level of potassium in the body and should be reported to a doctor. Some users may develop liver problems. Drugs.com warns that signs of this may be nausea, abdominal pain, mild fever, appetite changes, darkened urine, clay-colored stools or jaundice.
Allergic Reaction
An allergic reaction can be serious without proper treatment. Drugs.com warns of several possible signs of allergy including hives, trouble breathing, swelling of the face, swelling of the lips, swelling of the tongue or swelling of the throat. Emergency medical attention is necessary for any of these side effects, as it can result in asphyxiation.
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