Spironolactone HCTZ

Uses of Spironolactone HCTZ

This product is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), heart failure, or extra fluid in the body (edema). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.This product contains two medications: spironolactone and hydrochlorothiazide. Both medications are “water pills” (diuretics) and cause your body to get rid of extra salt and water. This effect helps to relax the blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily and may increase the amount of urine you make when you first start the product. Spironolactone also helps to treat or prevent low blood potassium levels and block the activity of a certain natural substance (aldosterone) that can cause edema

Precautions and Warnings

Before taking this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to either spironolactone or hydrochlorothiazide; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: untreated salt/mineral imbalance (such as high potassium, low sodium level), kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, dehydration, lupus, gout, high levels of fats in the blood (cholesterol/triglycerides), decreased adrenal gland function (Addison’s disease), skin cancer.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting may cause dehydration and cause you to feel lightheaded. Tell your doctor if you have severe diarrhea or vomiting. To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of fluids unless your doctor tells you not to.

Dosage

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor’s orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

For oral dosage form (tablets):

For edema:

• Adults—At first, 100 milligrams (mg) each of spironolactone and hydrochlorothiazide per day, given in either single or divided doses. Your doctor may adjust your dose if needed.
• Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

For high blood pressure:

• Adults—At first, 50 to 100 milligrams (mg) each of spironolactone and hydrochlorothiazide per day, given in either single or divided doses. Your doctor may adjust your dose if needed.
• Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Side Effects

Common side effects:

• drowsiness, dizziness, lack of energy;
• leg cramps;
• weakness;
• feeling like you might pass out;
• severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting; or
• electrolyte imbalance.