ALDACTONE 25 Tablets

What is ALDACTONE 25

ALDACTONE 25 is a low‑dose oral formulation of spironolactone, available in 25 mg scored tablets, typically supplied in packs of 20. Spironolactone is a potassium‑sparing diuretic and aldosterone receptor antagonist used in diverse clinical scenarios.

• Drug class: Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist; potassium‑sparing diuretic :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
• Primary indications: Hypertension (especially resistant), congestive heart failure, fluid retention due to liver or kidney disease, primary hyperaldosteronism :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
• Off-label uses: Acne, hirsutism, and PCOS—thanks to its anti-androgen effects :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
• Advantages of 25 mg dose: Allows precise titration and minimizes endocrine side effects, such as gynecomastia.
• On WHO list: Recognized as one of the world’s essential medicines for its efficacy and safety :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

How to use ALDACTONE 25

ALDACTONE 25 should be used under direct medical guidance. It is taken orally, and dosing should be individualized based on the prescribed indication.

• Administration: Swallow tablets with water; it can be taken with or without food at the same time daily :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• Typical dosing:
  • Hypertension: 25–100 mg daily, in one or two doses :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
  • Heart failure: Start 25 mg once daily—may increase to 50 mg based on response :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
  • Edema: 25 mg daily, titrating up to 100 mg depending on fluid retention :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
  • Primary hyperaldosteronism: Typically starts at 50 mg, titrated up to 400 mg :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
  • Acne/hirsutism (off-label): 50–150 mg daily :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
• Missed dose: Take as soon as possible unless close to the next dose; do not double dose.
• Monitoring: Regularly evaluate blood pressure, potassium levels, renal function, and signs of dehydration or hypotension :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
• Long-term use: Often required for chronic conditions; discontinue gradually under medical supervision.

Mode of Action ALDACTONE 25

Spironolactone works by antagonizing aldosterone effects at the mineralocorticoid receptor and has anti-androgen effects.

• Aldosterone blockade: Inhibits aldosterone on distal renal tubules, increasing sodium and water excretion while conserving potassium :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
• Diuretic effect: Promotes moderate diuresis through reduced sodium retention, without causing potassium loss—useful in edema and heart failure.
• Endocrine impact: Exhibits anti‑androgen and pro‑gestational activity, blocking androgen receptors and lowering testosterone—helpful in acne and hirsutism :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
• Cardiovascular benefits: Reduces cardiac remodeling and fibrosis, improving outcomes in heart failure :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.

ALDACTONE 25 Interactions ALDACTONE 25

Spironolactone can interact with several medications and supplements, potentially influencing potassium levels, blood pressure, or drug effects.

• Potassium‑raising drugs: ACE inhibitors, ARBs, eplerenone, potassium supplements, and NSAIDs increase risk of hyperkalemia :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
• Lithium: Spironolactone can increase serum lithium—monitor closely for neuro and renal toxicity :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
• Digoxin: May elevate digoxin levels—caution required :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
• Diuretics: Co-admin with loop/thiazide diuretics may enhance effect, magnifying electrolyte disturbances.
• Cholestyramine: May increase hyperkalemic, acid–base imbalance risk :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
• Licorice: Opposes spironolactone’s effects via mineralocorticoid-like activity :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.

Dosage of ALDACTONE 25

The 25 mg dose is typically the starting point or maintenance level. Adjustments are based on clinical indication:

• Hypertension: 25–100 mg daily; consider titrating in split doses.
• Heart failure: 25 mg once daily—may increase to 50 mg; max often 100 mg unless specified :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.
• Edema: Start 25 mg daily, titrate up to 100 mg based on fluid status.
• Primary hyperaldosteronism: Often 50–200 mg daily; low doses can be effective.
• Acne/hirsutism (off-label): 50–150 mg daily; 25 mg can be used in mild cases :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.
• Renal impairment (CrCl <50 mL/min): Reduce to 12.5–25 mg, monitor renal function and potassium closely :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}.
• Elderly: Start with 25 mg daily; cautious titration advised.

Possible side effects of ALDACTONE 25

Spironolactone is generally tolerated at lower doses, though side effects may occur:

• Common: Dizziness, headache, gastrointestinal upset (nausea, cramps, diarrhea), drowsiness, leg cramps :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}.
• Endocrine: Gynecomastia and breast tenderness in men; menstrual irregularities and breast pain in women :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}.
• Electrolyte imbalance: Hyperkalemia (can cause arrhythmia), hyponatremia :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}.
• Renal implications: Risk of worsening kidney function, especially with low blood pressure or other meds :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}.
• Dermatologic: Rash, pruritus, and rare Stevens-Johnson syndrome :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}.
• Hematologic/hepatic: Rare leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, or liver enzyme elevations :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}.

ALDACTONE 25 Contraindications ALDACTONE 25

• Absolute contraindications: Hyperkalemia, anuria, acute renal failure, Addison’s disease, use with eplerenone :contentReference[oaicite:29]{index=29}.
• Relative (caution): Chronic kidney or liver disease, diabetes, dehydration, elderly, pregnancy (possible fetal hormonal effects), breastfeeding (excreted in milk) :contentReference[oaicite:30]{index=30}.
• Drug hypersensitivity: Allergy to spironolactone or tablet excipients.

Storage of ALDACTONE 25

• Temperature: Store at 20–25 °C (68–77 °F); avoid extremes of heat or cold.
• Protection: Keep in original container to prevent moisture degradation.
• Expiry: Do not use expired tablets.
• Safety: Store out of children’s reach; secure lid recommended.
• Disposal: Return unused tablets to a pharmacy take-back program; avoid household trash disposal.