Brand Name
Aldactone
Pronunciation
Spy-RON-no-lack-tone
Hydro-klo-ro THIGH-a-zide
Common Drug Name
Spironolactone and Hydrochlorothiazide
Spironolactone with HCTZ
What should I discuss with my veterinarian while considering Spironolactone/HCTZ?
Talk to your veterinarian about what tests and exams may be necessary while your pet is taking Spironolactone/HCTZ. Also discuss how long the treatment period will be and what type of outcome is expected. You and your veterinarian should talk about any other treatment options that are recommended for your pet, as Spironolactone/HCTZ is often used in conjunction with other medications.
Tell your veterinarian if your pet is experiencing any vomiting or diarrhea, has liver or kidney disease, diabetes, lupus, Addison's disease, or could be pregnant or is nursing.
Notify your veterinarian of any other medications or supplements your pet is taking, and also if your pet has had any reactions to previous medications.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to the regular schedule. Do not give two doses at once.
What is the most important information I should know?
Monitor your pet carefully for signs of a water or electrolyte imbalance. These would include excessive thirst, decreased amounts of urine, depression, weakness, restlessness, vomiting, diarrhea or a fast heart rate. If you see these signs, contact your veterinarian.
Carefully follow your veterinarian's directions on the correct dosing of this medication.
Who should not take it?
Not for use in animals hypersensitive (allergic) to spironolactone, hydrochlorothiazide, or sulfa drugs (hydrochlorothiazide is chemically similar to some sulfa drugs). Do not use in pregnant or lactating animals (female animals nursing their young). Use with extreme caution in animals with severe kidney or liver disease, electrolyte disturbances, water imbalances, high uric acid levels, gout, lupus (SLE), or diabetes mellitus. Do not use in animals who are not producing urine, those with Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism) who are taking the medication mitotane, or in animals with Addison's disease
(hypoadrenocorticism). Use with caution in animals that are vomiting or have diarrhea or other conditions that could cause electrolyte abnormalities.
What side effects may be seen when taking Spironolactone/HCTZ?
May cause dehydration with excessive thirst and decreased urine production, or electrolyte imbalances, possibly with weakness, lethargy, restlessness, stumbling, dizziness, muscle pain or cramping, or lack of energy. May cause vomiting and diarrhea in some animals.
How is it stored?
Store at room temperature in a tight, light-resistant, childproof container. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
What should I do if I know of or suspect there has been an overdose?
If you know or suspect your pet has had an overdose, contact your veterinarian immediately.
What should I avoid when giving my pet Spironolactone/HCTZ?
Notify your veterinarian of any other medications, including vitamins and supplements, your pet is taking while your pet is receiving spironolactone and hydrochlorothiazide. Consult your veterinarian before using vitamin supplements; potassium supplements; calcium supplements; ACE inhibitors (heart medications such as enalapril or captopril); digoxin; sulfa drugs; corticotrophin; barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital); tubocurarine; amphotericin B; diazoxide; NSAIDs e.g., aspirin, carprofen (Rimadyl, Novox), etodolac (EtoGesic), deracoxib (Deramaxx), firocoxib (Previcox), tepoxalin (Zubrin), and meloxicam (Metacam); steroids (e.g., prednisone, dexamethasone, Medrol, triamcinolone), and mitotane. May alter the requirements for insulin or other antidiabetic drugs if used in animals with diabetes mellitus.
Where is more information available?
Ask your veterinarian, consult with one of our pharmacists at 1-800-447-3021, or see the
Patient Information Sheet on this medication.
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