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Treating Heart Failure With Aldactone

Aldactone, an aldosterone inhibitor, is a potassium-sparing diuretic. This medication is used to treat patients with heart failure when systolic dysfunction is present.

Aldactone is usually prescribed to prevent heart failure symptoms from becoming worse. Aldactone protects the heart by blocking a certain chemical (aldosterone) in the body that causes salt and fluid build-up.

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When receiving aldactone, you may be given a low dose that does not provide enough diuretic effects by itself. Your doctor may prescribe another type of diuretic in addition to aldactone.

How Do I Take Aldactone?

Follow the label directions on how often to take this drug. If you are taking a single dose a day, you may wish to take it in the morning with your breakfast or right after eating your breakfast. If you are taking more than one dose a day, consider taking the last dose no later than 4 p.m so that you are not waking up late at night to urinate.

The number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and how long you need to take the medication will depend on your condition.

What Are the Side Effects of Aldactone?

Side effects you may experience with Aldactone include:

Extreme tiredness: This side effect may be strongest when you first start taking Aldactone. It should decrease as your body adjusts to the drug. Call your doctor if this symptom persists.
Increased urination: This is normal and may last for up to six hours after a dose.
Abnormal enlargement of one or both breasts in men: This may be associated with breast pain. Contact your doctor if this symptom persists or is severe.
Upset stomach: Take this drug with meals or milk to reduce this symptom. Contact your doctor if this symptom persists or is severe.
Skin rash or itching: Stop taking the medication and call your doctor right away.
Shortness of breath: Call your doctor right away.
Confusion; irregular heartbeat; nervousness; numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips: Contact your doctor right away.