Spironolactone oral suspension

What is this medicine?

SPIRONOLACTONE (speer on oh LAK tone) is a diuretic. It helps you make more urine and to lose excess water from your body. This medicine is used to treat high blood pressure, and swelling from heart, kidney, or liver disease.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake well before using. Use a specially marked spoon or dropper to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. You can take it with or without food. However, you should always take it the same way each time. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• signs and symptoms of high blood sugar such as dizziness; dry mouth; dry skin; fruity breath; nausea; stomach pain; increased hunger or thirst; increased urination

• signs and symptoms of increased potassium like muscle weakness; chest pain; or fast, irregular heartbeat

• signs and symptoms of kidney injury like trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

• signs and symptoms of low blood pressure like dizziness; feeling faint or lightheaded, falls; unusually weak or tired

• signs and symptoms of low calcium like fast heartbeat; muscle cramps or muscle pain; pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet; seizures

• signs and symptoms of low magnesium like muscle cramps, pain, or weakness; tremors; seizures; or fast, irregular heartbeat

• symptoms of gout

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• breast enlargement in both males and females

• dizziness

• headache

• missed menstrual periods

• upset stomach

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medication with any of the following medications:

• cidofovir

• eplerenone

• tranylcypromine

This medication may also interact with the following medications:

• aspirin

• certain medicines for blood pressure or heart disease like benazepril, lisinopril, losartan, valsartan

• certain medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like heparin and enoxaparin

• cholestyramine

• cyclosporine

• digoxin

• lithium

• medicines that relax muscles for surgery

• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen

• other diuretics

• potassium supplements

• steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone

• trimethoprim

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Addison's disease

• high levels of potassium in the blood

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• an unusual or allergic reaction to spironolactone, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure as directed. Ask your doctor or health care professional what your blood pressure should be and when you should contact him or her.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are using this medicine without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients may increase your blood pressure.

You may get dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Avoid alcoholic drinks; they can make you more dizzy.