Indications 

Aldactazide is a combined medication prescribed for managing edema (fluid retention) in patients with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, or nephrotic syndrome. 

Aldactazide is also prescribed for treating essential hypertension and diuretic-induced hypokalemia in hypertensive patients when other treatments are inadequate or inappropriate. 

Aldactazide contains two diuretic agents: spironolactone and hydrochlorothiazide, with distinct but complementary mechanisms and action sites, resulting in a combined diuretic and antihypertensive effect. 

Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic that promotes the excretion of excess water and salt from the body through the urine. On the other hand, spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that facilitates the elimination of excess water and sodium from the body through the urine while minimizing the loss of potassium. 

Uses and Dosage 

Before taking Aldactazide and with each prescription refill, carefully read its medication guide and patient information leaflet. Seek guidance from your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns. 

Aldactazide dosage varies per individual based on their medical condition and response to treatment. 

Typically, Aldactazide is taken once or twice a day, as prescribed by the doctor, without regard to food intake. 

• For once-daily dosing, it should be taken in the morning.  
• For twice-daily dosing, it should be taken in the morning and late afternoon to minimize the need to urinate at night. 

If you also take cholesterol-lowering medications such as cholestyramine or colestipol (bile acid-binding resins), Aldactazide should be taken at least 4 hours before or 4 to 6 hours after the intake of these drugs. 

For optimal results, Aldactazide should be taken regularly at the same time each day, precisely as instructed. Avoid taking more or less of it or more frequently than your doctor recommends. 

Continue taking Aldactazide as prescribed, even if you feel well. Discontinuing this medication should only be done after consulting with your doctor. 

Side Effects 

Listed below are the side effects associated with the use of Aldactazide. If any of them last or worsen, inform your doctor promptly. 

Common Side Effects 

• Drowsiness 
• Dizziness 
• Lack of energy 
• Leg cramps 
• Weakness 
• Feeling faint or dizzy 
• Severe upper abdominal pain spreading to the back 
• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Electrolyte imbalance 

Serious Side Effects 

• Light-headed feeling, like passing out 
• Blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights 
• Breast swelling and tenderness 
• Signs of low blood cell counts: 
  • Easy bruising 
  • Unusual bleeding 
  • Pale skin 
  • Cold hands and feet 
  • Light-headedness 
  • Shortness of breath 
• Signs of high potassium level: 
  • Nausea 
  • Weakness 
  • Tingling sensation 
  • Chest pain 
  • Irregular heartbeats 
  • Loss of movement 
• Indication of low potassium level: 
  • Leg cramps 
  • Constipation 
  • Irregular heartbeats 
  • Fluttering in the chest 
  • Increased thirst or urination 
  • Numbness or tingling 
  • Muscle weakness 
  • Limp feeling 
• Indications of low sodium level: 
  • Headache 
  • Confusion 
  • Slurred speech 
  • Severe weakness 
  • Vomiting 
  • Loss of coordination 
  • Feeling unsteady 

Call your doctor right away if you experience any of the serious side effects listed above. 

If you experience a severe drug reaction that affects multiple parts of your body, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms may include: 

• Skin rash 
• Fever 
• Swollen glands 
• Muscle aches 
• Severe weakness 
• Unusual bruising 
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes 

Allergic Reactions 

Aldactazide rarely causes severe allergic reactions. However, get emergency medical help if you observe the following signs of an allergic reaction: 

• Rash 
• Itching or swelling, especially of the throat, tongue, and face 
• Severe dizziness 
• Trouble breathing 

A severe skin reaction may also occur; get emergency medical help if you experience the following: 

• Fever 
• Sore throat 
• Burning in your eyes 
• Skin pain 
• Red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling 

This list does not contain all the potential side effects of Aldactazide. Inform your doctor if any unlisted effects are experienced. 

Cautions 

Before taking Aldactazide, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have any known allergies, especially to spironolactone, hydrochlorothiazide, any medications, or any ingredients present in Aldactazide tablets. 

To ensure Aldactazide is safe for you, disclose to your physician your medical background, specifically regarding any history of: 

• Untreated salt/mineral imbalance (e.g., high or low potassium level) 
• Kidney disease 
• Liver disease 
• Diabetes 
• Dehydration 
• Lupus 
• Gout 
• Elevated levels of lipids in the bloodstream, such as cholesterol and triglycerides. 
• Decreased adrenal gland function (Addison’s disease) 
• Skin cancer 

Some products that may interact with Aldactazide include: 

• Dofetilide 
• Lithium 
• Other substances that could potentially impact potassium levels: 
  • Eplerenone 
  • Tacrolimus 
  • Cyclosporine 
  • Birth control pills containing drospirenone 
  • Amiloride 
  • Triamterene  
  • Benazepril 
  • Captopril 
  • Losartan 
  • Valsartan 

To minimize the risk of drug interactions, disclose all your current medications, including prescription and non-prescription drugs, dietary supplements, and herbal products, to your healthcare provider. 

Cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen may contain ingredients that could elevate blood pressure or worsen heart failure. Be sure to notify your pharmacist if you are taking any of them and seek guidance on safe usage. 

Notify your healthcare providers and laboratory staff of your use of Aldactazide, as it may potentially yield false results on some laboratory tests, including parathyroid and protein-bound iodide tests. 

The use of Aldactazide increases the risk of skin cancer. Prevent exposure to sunlight or tanning beds, wear protective clothing, and apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when outside. Your physician may recommend periodic skin examinations. 

The use of Aldactazide in pregnant women necessitates a careful assessment of the potential benefits against the potential risks to the fetus. 

Spironolactone and hydrochlorothiazide can be excreted in breast milk but are not expected to cause harm to a nursing infant. However, consulting with your doctor before breastfeeding while taking these medications is recommended.