Aldactone (Spironolactone/hydrochlorthiazide)

Aldactone description and Aldactone side effects

Aldactone was used almost exclusively during the last week before a competition. Since this causes neither a dramatic nor an immediately noticeable draining effect, spironolactone is usually taken over 5-6 days in a dosage of 2 tablets of 50 mg daily. Aldactone (spironolactone/hydrochlorthiazide) should not be used to expediently drain water at the last minute. Both male and female athletes take Aldactone. The side effects of potassium-saving diuretics are relatively low compared to thiazides and furosemides. The main problems in men who take this substance consist of gynecomastia and possible impotence. Other side effects of Aldactone (spironolactone) can be low blood pressure, muscle spasms, dizziness, gastrointestinal pain, vomiting, irregular pulse rate, and fatigue. It is important to note that there is Ii', sigiuficant increase in the serum potassium level (see above). Aldactone is a diuretic and it belongs to the subgroup of potassium-sparing diuretics. Spironolactone is an aldosterone antagonist. Spironolactone influences the body's own hormone, aldosterone, which accelerates the excretion of potassium and reduces the excretion of sodium and water Simplified, aldosterone regulates the endogenous water household. The higher the aldosterone level, the more water is stored in the body. The use of results in a significant reduction in the aldosterone level so that an increased excretion of sodium and water occurs while, at the same time, potassium is reabsorbed. This also explains why the substance is called a potassium-sparing diuretic since spironolactone does not cause a loss of potassium like thiazides and furosemides.

Optimal dosage of Aldactone

Athletes must strictly observe that during the use of Aldactone no additional potassium is taken since this would cause a life-threatening increase in the serum potassium level. Lotassiumsparing diuretics have relatively low diuretic effects so that Aldactone can be called a mild diuretic. It is interesting to note that Aldactone is also an antiandrogen since it reduces the androgen level. Female athletes take advantage of spironolactone characteristic by using it to minimize the virilization symptoms during steroid treatment or the symptoms after treatment. For this purpose spironolactone is normally taken daily for 10 to 14 days, ustially in a dose of 50 mg/day. In men this could cause problems since the relationship of the androgen level to the estrogen level changes in favor of the latter. Thus, common side effects of Aldactone in men include pain in the nipples and breast swelling (gynecomastia).

Different types of Aldactone

Aldactone is a prescription drug available in American pharmacies. Spironolactone by Hoehringer Mannheim of Germany is often found on be black market. The Mexican Aldactone by Searle can also frequently be found on the black market. The 25 mg Aldactone tablets are of light-brown color; indented, and have a SEARLE imprint. The original package of Aldactone contains three strips, each with 10 tab-lets. There are currently no fakes available.