What is this medication for?
This medication is a combination of 2 medications, spironolactone and hydrochlorothiazide. Spironolactone and hydrochlorothiazide both belong to the family of medications
called diuretics (water pills).
They are used to treat
edema (fluid retention) that occurs with congestive
heart failure and disorders of the liver and kidney. This combination of
medications is also used to treat 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. This medication is normally used once the best strength of each
medication 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 are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting 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.
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 dose ranges from 1 tablet of spironolactone -
hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg/25 mg daily to 4 tablets of spironolactone
- hydrochlorothiazide 50 mg/50 mg daily, taken in single or divided doses
as prescribed by your 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.
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 important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your 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. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not take this medication if you:
- are allergic to spironolactone, hydrochlorothiazide, or any ingredients of the medication
- are allergic to the class of medications called sulfonamides (sulfa medications)
- are allergic to the class of medications called thiazide diuretics (e.g.,
hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone)
- are unable to urinate
- have high blood potassium levels (hyperkalemia)
- have severely reduced liver function or liver failure, except in certain
circumstances
- have significantly reduced kidney function