Interactions of Aldactone: Information on alcohol, supplements, and additional factors
Aldactone, a common medication used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure, comes with several important contraindications and potential interactions that patients should be aware of.
Firstly, Aldactone should not be taken with eplerenone (Inspra), another medication used for heart failure. The combined use of these two drugs can lead to a dangerous increase in potassium levels, a condition known as hyperkalemia. This interaction is contraindicated due to the high risk of life-threatening complications [2][3].
Both Aldactone and eplerenone are potassium-sparing diuretics, meaning they help the body retain potassium. When taken together, they can significantly increase potassium levels, which can be harmful [1][2][5].
Other contraindications for Aldactone include:
- High levels of potassium in the blood (hyperkalemia) with a serum potassium level greater than 5.0 mmol/L at initiation [1][2][5]
- Severe renal impairment (eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m²) due to impaired potassium excretion [1][5]
- Severe liver impairment (Child-Pugh Class C) [1]
- Addison’s disease, a condition of adrenal insufficiency [2][5]
Additionally, coadministration of Aldactone with other potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplements, or drugs that raise potassium levels increases the risk of hyperkalemia and is contraindicated [1][3][4].
Before starting treatment with Aldactone, it's crucial to inform your doctor about all medications you take, including prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs. This is because Aldactone can interact with a variety of medications, such as certain antibiotics, blood thinners, cholestyramine, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) [6].
It's also important to note that certain medical conditions and factors may increase the risk of interactions with Aldactone. For example, if you have kidney disease, your risk of high blood potassium as a side effect of Aldactone may be increased [7].
If you're pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor before starting Aldactone treatment. The safety of taking Aldactone in these situations may be affected [8].
If Aldactone doesn't come with paperwork, you can ask your pharmacist to print a copy. If you need help reading or understanding this information, ask your doctor or pharmacist for assistance.
For more information about Aldactone, you can see an overview of the drug, compare Aldactone to other medications, or learn more about heart failure and high blood pressure.
[1] Drugs.com. (2021). Aldactone. Retrieved from https://www.drugs.com/mdi/aldactone.html [2] Mayo Clinic. (2020). Spironolactone. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/spironolactone/description/drg-20073887 [3] U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2021). Spironolactone. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682640.html [4] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2021). Highlights of Prescribing Information: Aldactone. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2015/016151s045lbl.pdf [5] U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2021). Eplerenone. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601210.html [6] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2021). Drug Interactions with Aldactone (Spironolactone). Retrieved from https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/aldactone-spironolactone.html [7] U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2021). Spironolactone. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000783.htm [8] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2021). Pregnancy and Breastfeeding. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/resources-patients/pregnancy-and-breastfeeding-labeling-changes-drugs-and-biological-products
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