This medicine is a potassium-sparing diuretic used to treat swelling and fluid retention in patients with congestive heart failure, liver cirrhosis, or a certain kidney problem (nephrotic syndrome). It is also used for treating high blood pressure, for increasing survival and reducing the need to go to the hospital for heart failure in certain patients, or for treating or preventing low blood potassium. It may also be used to treat excess secretion of the hormone aldosterone by the adrenal gland. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Follow the directions for taking this medicine provided by your doctor. TAKE THIS MEDICINE with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation. THIS MEDICINE MAY INCREASE the amount of urine or cause you to urinate more often when you first start taking it. To keep this from disturbing your sleep, try to take your dose before 6 pm. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C), in a tightly closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and away from pets. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. DO NOT take 2 doses at once.
WARNING: This medicine has been shown to cause tumors in laboratory animals. This medicine should only be used for the conditions for which it is indicated. Avoid unnecessary use of this medicine. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are taking another potassium-sparing diuretic (eg, amiloride, triamterene), another aldosterone-blocker (eg, eplerenone), or tacrolimus. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking adrenocorticotropic hormone (corticotropin) (ACTH), aliskiren, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (eg, enalapril), angiotensin II receptor antagonists (eg, valsartan), barbiturates (eg, phenobarbital), corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), digoxin, lithium, narcotics (eg, morphine), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, indomethacin), or potassium supplements. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including if you have high acidity in your body fluids, dehydration, low blood sodium levels, kidney or liver problems, heart problems (eg, heart failure), diabetes, menstrual disease, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Tell your doctor if you have a history of high blood potassium levels. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you are unable to urinate, have severe kidney problems, or have high blood potassium levels. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include diarrhea; drowsiness; headache; nausea; stomach cramping; or vomiting. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience black, tarry, or bloody stools; change in the amount of urine produced; confusion; dark urine; decreased coordination; decreased sexual ability; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; irregular or missed menstrual periods; pale stools; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; severe or persistent stomach pain; symptoms of abnormal fluid or electrolyte levels (eg, burning, numbness, or tingling; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; increased thirst; muscle pain, weakness, or cramping; restlessness; severe or persistent dry mouth, nausea, or vomiting; severe or persistent dizziness or drowsiness; unusual fatigue or sluggishness); vomit that looks like coffee grounds; or yellowing of the skin or eyes. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
IF OVERDOSE IS SUSPECTED, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include confusion; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; irregular heartbeat; nausea; or vomiting.
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. IF YOU WILL BE USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, be sure to obtain necessary refills before your supply runs out. CHECK WITH YOUR PHARMACIST about how to dispose of unused medicine.