Spironolactone the active ingredient in Aldactone side effects, dosages, and drug interactions
Common use in bodybuilders precontest regimen:
Magnium and potassium-sparing diuretic and aldosterone antagonist. It competitively associates with aldosterone receptors in in the distal parts of the nephron. It has a diuretic effect, increases excretion of natrium ions and decreases excretion of potassium and magnium, decreases urinary acidity. The diuretic effect of the medicine is MODERATE at best and appears usually after 2-5 days of treatment and continues during 2-3 days after discontinuance of the medicine intake. For this reason those bodybuilders who find themseleves needing to use aldactone due to insufficient show preperation, will usually start this drug 5-6 days out from contest day. Example: if the show is on saturday, most competitors will start first dosage on Monday.
Male and Female Bodybuilding ,Classic Bodybuilding, Mens and Womens Physique Precontest Dosage and Direction for Aldactone Use.
Daily dosages 50-100 mg should be divided into 1-2 intakes per day. On necessity the dose maybe gradually increased up to 200 mg a day. Duration generally 5-6 days prior to contest. Consulting a physician before you decide to take this medicine is highly recommended. Aldactone should be taken after a meal after second meal and prior to going to sleep.
Precautions
Avoid eating salt because excess of salt may cause your body to retain water having the opposite intended effect. It is recommended not to take salt substitutes or low-sodium milk products which contain potassium.
Contraindication
Hypersensitivity, Addison disease, hypercaliemia, hyperpotassiemia, concomitant intake with potassium supplements or other potassium-sparing diuretics such as Aldactazide, amiloride (Midamor, Moduretic), triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide), hyponatriemia, chronic kidney failure, diabetic nephropathy, anuria, liver failure, diabetes at supposed chronic kidney failure, diabetic nephropathy.
Side effects associated with Aldactone
Side effects of the medicine include headache, diarrhea, cramps, drowsiness, rash, nausea, vomiting, impotence, irregular menstrual periods, and irregular hair growth. Fluid and electrolytes imbalance are likely. Enlargement of the breasts may also occur depending on dose and duration of therapy. This condition is usually reversible when you discontinue to take Aldactone.
Drug interaction
This medicine can lower blood sodium levels while raising blood potassium levels. Excessively high potassium levels in blood sometimes cause potentially life-threatening abnormalities in heart rhythm. Therefore, Aldactone usually is not administered with other agents that can raise blood potassium levels. Aldactone can cause elevation of blood digoxin (Lanoxin) to toxic levels.
Missed dose
Never take a double dose of this medication. If it is almost time of the next dose just skip the missed portion and continue to take the medicine according to the schedule.
Overdose
Immediate medical attention in needed in case you overdosed intake of the medicine. Overdose symptoms may include drowsiness, confusion, red skin rash, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Storage
Aldactone should be stored at room temperature, below 25 C (77 F).