DRUG STUDY# 1: Spironolactone (Aldactone)

NAME OF THE
DRUG NURSING
(GENERIC AND DOSAGE, ROUTE INDICATION/ CONTRAINDICATION ADVERSE RESPOSIBILITY
BRAND NAME) , FREQUENCY ACTION EFFECT WITH
RATIONALE
GENERIC NAME: PO:(Adults): INDICATIONS: Contraindicated in: CNS: dizziness,  Monitor intake
 Spironolactone Edema─ 25-200 mg/ day Counteract Hypersensitivity; Hyperkalemia; clumsiness, and output ratios
in 1-2 divided doses. potassium loss Anuria; Acute Renal Insufficiency; headache and daily weight
HTN─50-100 mg/ day in caused by other Significant Renal dysfunction CV: during therapy.
1-2 divided doses. diuretics. Used with arrhythmias
BRAND NAME: Diuretic-induces other agents Used Cautiously in: Hepatic GU: erectile  Monitor response
 Aldactone hypokalemia─ 25-100 mg/ (thiazides) to treat dysfunction; Geri: Presence of dysfunction of signs and
day in 1-2 divided doses. edema or age-related renal dysfunction may ENDO: breast symptoms of
 Novospiroton Diagnosis of primary hypertension. lead to increase risk of tenderness, hypokalemia
hyperaldosteronism─ 100- Primary hyperkalemia; Diabetes (increase gynecomastia, (weakness,
400 mg/day in 1-2 divided hyperaldosteronism risk of hyperkalemia); Concurrent irregular fatigue,
doses. (spironolactone use of potassium supplements or menses, voice arrhythmias,
Classification CHF─12.5- 25 mg/ day only). potassium-containing salt deepening polyuria, and
Therapeutic: diuretics (unlabeled use). Unlabeled Used: substitutes;OB, lactation, Pedi: F and E: polydipsia).
Pharmacologic: Spironolactone: Safety not established. hyperkalemia, Assess patient
Potassium-sparing PO (children 1-17 yr.): Management of CHF hyponatremia frequently for
diuretics Diuretics, HTN─ 1 mg/kg/ (low doses). development of
day in 1-2 divided doses Hemat: hyperkalemia
Pregnancy Category C (should not exceed 3.3 mg/ ACTION: agrunulocytosis (fatigue,
kg/ day) (unlabeled use). paresthesia,
Diagnostic of primary Inhibition of sodium MS: muscle confusion,
hyperaldosteronism─125- reabsorption in the cramps dyspnea, and
375 mg/ m2/ day in 1-2 kidney while saving cardiac
divided doses (unlabeled potassium and MISC: allergic arrhythmias).
use). hydrogen reaction Patients who have
ions(spironolactone diabetes mellitus
PO (Neonates): 1-3 mg/ achieves this effect or kidney disease
kg/ day in 1-3 divided by antagonizing and geriatric
doses. aldosterone patients are at
receptors). increased risk of
developing these
Therapeutic symptoms.
Availability: Effects: Weak  Emphasize the
diuretic and importance of
Tablets: 25 mg, 50 mg, antihypertensive continuing to take
100 mg. response when this medication,
In combination with: compared with other even if feeling
hydrochlorothiazide diuretics. well. Instruct the
(Aldactasize, {Apo- Conservation of patient to take
Spirozide}). potassium. medication at
same time each
day. Take the
missed doses as
soon as
remembered
unless almost time
to the next dose.
Do not overdose.
For effectiveness
of medication.
 Caution the
patient to avoid
salt substitutes
and foods that
contain high
levels of
 potassium or
sodium unless
prescribed by
health care
provider.
 May cause
dizziness. Caution
patient to avoid
driving or other
activities requiring
alertness until
response to
medication is
known. To
prevent accident
and injury.
 Instruct the patient
to notify health
care professional
of medication
regimen before
treatment or
surgery.
 Advise the patient
to notify health
care professional
if muscle
weakness or
cramps; fatigue or
severe nausea,
vomiting, or
diarrhea occurs.
 Emphasize the
need of follow-up
exams to monitor
progress.