If you have high blood pressure, you may have heard of Aldactone, one of the many drugs used to treat hypertension.

If you’re looking for an online prescription, we have great news—HealthTap’s doctors can help you with that. All you have to do is schedule an appointment with one of our primary care doctors or connect with an urgent care doctor, which usually takes less than 15 minutes.

Aldactone is a prescription medication, meaning you need to consult with a doctor before receiving a prescription. The doctor will make sure Aldactone is in fact the drug you need and will make sure it isn’t likely to interact with other drugs and substances you may be taking. 

What is Aldactone and how does it work?

Aldactone, also known under the generic name spironolactone, is a medication that comes in the form of tablets and a liquid suspension. It’s used to treat a variety of illnesses:

• Hyperaldosteronism 

• Low potassium 

• Heart failure

• Edema (fluid retention), which can be caused by several conditions, including liver, or kidney disease

• High blood pressure

Aldactone is also what’s known as a “water pill”, or diuretic, because it prompts your kidneys to purge excess water (and sodium), which can help treat the conditions listed above. 

With high blood pressure, for example, excess fluid is purged from your body, which reduces the amount of blood flowing through your arteries and thus lowers your blood pressure.

How is it taken and what will it do for you?

Whether you have tablets or liquid, you can expect to take them one to two times per day, with or without food. Dosage will vary depending on your specific health profile, so take your doctor’s advice and stick to the instructions on your prescription. There’s no one-size-fits-all dose.

When taken for blood pressure, Aldactone is potentially life-saving. That’s because hypertension left untreated can cause damage to your arteries that can lead to heart disease, heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, and more.

Hypertension patients may be prescribed other medications in combination with Aldactone, and are almost always advised to make lifestyle changes to lower their blood pressure such as:

• Switching to a low-sodium, low-fat diet

• Getting more exercise

• Quitting smoking

• Drinking less alcohol

High blood pressure is a manageable condition, and Aldactone can be part of an effective regimen for keeping it in check.

Side effects of Aldactone

Common side effects include:

• Nausea/Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Stomach pain

• Enlarged or painful breasts in men or women

• Irregular periods

• Vaginal bleeding in post-menopausal women

• Sexual side effects

• A deeper voice

• Increased hair growth on your body

• Fatigue

• Restlessness

Call your doctor immediately if you notice any of these serious side effects:

• Muscle weakness, pain, or cramps

• Pain, burning, numbness, or tingling in your hands or feet

• Unable to move your arms or legs

• Changes in heartbeat

• Confusion

• Extreme fatigue

• Dry mouth, dizziness, and any other symptoms of dehydration

• Unusual bleeding or bruising

• Lack of energy

• Loss of appetite

• Pain in the upper right of your stomach

• Yellowing of your skin or eyes

• Flu-like symptoms

• Rash

• Hives

• Itching

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing

• Vomiting blood

• Bloody stool

• Decreased urination

• Fainting

Will Aldactone make me urinate more frequently?

Aldactone is a water pill and is designed to flush fluids from your body to help decrease your blood pressure. As such, you will likely experience the need to urinate more often.

Talk to your doctor about how to manage this and how to properly hydrate while you’re taking Aldactone.

Things to mention to your doctor before taking Aldactone

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you’re allergic to spironolactone, any ingredients in it, or any other medications.

Eplerenone (Inspra)

Eplerenone is another high blood pressure medication that may not combine well with Aldactone. If you’re taking eplerenone, your doctor probably won’t prescribe Aldactone.

Prescription medication

Aminoglycoside antibiotics are of particular concern, but it’s best to mention any and all prescription medications. Your doctor will know best what’s most likely to affect you.

Over-the-counter medication, vitamins, and supplements

Any sort of over-the-counter pain medication, or vitamin or dietary supplement has the potential to interact with Aldactone, so make sure to mention it to your doctor.

Addison's disease

If you have Addison’s disease or anything that causes heightened levels of potassium, your doctor will probably recommend that you not take Aldactone.

Pregnant or breastfeeding

Your doctor may recommend another medication if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while you’re taking Aldactone, contact your doctor right away.

Surgery

Make sure you tell your surgeon, including your dentist, that you’re taking Aldactone before you undergo any procedure.

Alcohol consumption

Be careful and talk to your doctor about consuming alcohol while taking Aldactone. In combination, they can cause you to become dizzy or lightheaded when you get up from lying down.

Talk to a HealthTap doctor about your high blood pressure

If you’re concerned about high blood pressure, or if you’re looking for a more convenient way to manage your condition, HealthTap can help. Our doctors can:

• Diagnose and treat you for high blood pressure

• Help you manage your medications and check for interactions

• Write and refill prescriptions

• Work with you to create a plan involving medication and/or lifestyle changes to improve your blood pressure

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