Spironolactone (Aldactone)

How does this medicine work?

Spironolactone (spy-ro-no-lak-tone) helps decrease extra water in the body by increasing the amount of urine the body makes. It works to lower blood pressure and prevent potassium loss from the body.

How should I give it?

Spironolactone comes in pill form. Your pharmacy may make a liquid form if your child cannot take pills. It is usually given twice a day, about 12 hours apart. Give it at regular times to keep a steady level in the bloodstream.

Your child should be awake and alert when taking any medicine. Follow the checked instructions below:

___ If using the liquid form, shake well right before using. Draw up the correct amount in the medicine dropper or oral syringe. Give a small squirt of the medicine inside the cheek. To avoid choking, let your child swallow each squirt before giving more.

___ For babies, you may want to mix the medicine with a small amount of formula or breast milk and give it with a bottle nipple before a feeding. Do not add medicine to a whole bottle because if your baby does not finish it, you will not know how much of the medicine was taken.

___ For children who cannot swallow pills:

Crush it between 2 spoons, inside a plastic bag, or in folded paper.
Mix the powder with a very small amount (about 1 teaspoon) of soft food, such as applesauce, chocolate syrup, ice cream, jelly, or yogurt.

Other instructions:

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Are there any precautions about food or other medicines?

It can be given with or without food.

Check with the doctor, nurse practitioner, or pharmacist before giving any other prescription or non-prescription medicines, herbs, or vitamins.

What should I do if a dose is missed?

If one dose is missed, give it as soon as you remember if it is within 2 hours of the regular time. If more than 2 hours have passed, do not give it. Give the next dose at its regular time. Never give a double dose.

If your child vomits (throws up) within 30 minutes after receiving a dose, give it again. If your child vomits after 30 minutes, do not repeat the dose.

Call the doctor if your child misses or vomits 2 doses in a row.

What are the side effects?

diarrhea
loss of appetite
headache
weakness

When should I call the doctor?

continued diarrhea
continued loss of appetite
dry diaper for more than 8 hours
rash
fainting or dizziness
throwing up
trouble breathing – call 911

What else do I need to know?

Store liquid spironolactone in its original container in the refrigerator, as far from children's reach as possible. Pills can be stored at room temperature.

You and your child should know the names of all the medicines he or she is taking. Share this information with anyone involved in your child's care. Please remember to bring the medicine container when your child comes to the clinic or emergency department.

Always make sure you have enough medicine on hand. Each time you refill your prescriptions, check to see how many refills are left. If no refills are left the pharmacy will need 2 or 3 days to contact the clinic to renew the prescription.

Before giving the first dose, read the label. Be sure it is what was prescribed. After a refill, if the medicine looks different to you, ask your pharmacist about it before giving it.

Check the label and the expiration date before giving each dose. Ask your pharmacist what to do with outdated or unused medicines. If there is no "take-back" program, put them in the garbage.

If too much or the wrong kind of medicine is taken, call the Poison Control Center toll- free at 1-800-222-1222. If your child is unconscious or has a seizure, call 911.

Questions?

This sheet is not specific to your child, but provides general information. If you have any questions, please call your cardiologist or pharmacist.

This page is not specific to your child, but provides general information on the topic above. If you have any questions, please call your clinic. For more reading material about this and other health topics, please call or visit Children's Minnesota Family Resource Center library, or visit www.childrensmn.org/educationmaterials.