Hydrochlorothiazide and Spironolactone

Hydrochlorothiazide and Spironolactone are combination prescription medications used to treat fluid retention (edema) in people with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, or a kidney disorder called nephrotic syndrome.

• Hydrochlorothiazide and Spironolactone are available under various brand names: Aldactazide

Common side effects of Hydrochlorothiazide and Spironolactone include:

drowsiness, dizziness, lack of energy;

• leg cramps; or
• itching, hair loss.

Serious side effects of Hydrochlorothiazide and Spironolactone include:

• signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in the face or throat);
• severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, a red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling;
• a light-headed feeling,
• sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;
• eye pain, vision problems;
• breast swelling and tenderness;
• high potassium--slow heart rate, weak pulse, muscle weakness, tingly feeling;
• low potassium--confusion, uneven heart rate, extreme thirst, increased urination, leg discomfort, muscle weakness or limp feeling; or
• low sodium--headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady.

Rare side effects of Hydrochlorothiazide and Spironolactone include:

• none

Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:

• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors;
• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights;
• Serious heart symptoms include fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in the chest; shortness of breath; sudden dizziness, lightheartedness, or passing out.

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur because of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Adult and pediatric dosage

Tablet

• 25 mg/25 mg
• 50 mg/50 mg

Edema, Ascites, Congestive Heart Failure

Adult dosage

• 1-8 tablets/day oral (Spironolactone 25 mg/hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg)
• 1-4 tablets/day oral (Spironolactone 50 mg/hydrochlorothiazide 50 mg)

Hypertension, Hypokalemia (Diuretic Induced)

Adult dosage

• 2-4 tablets/day oral (Spironolactone 25 mg/hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg)
• 1-2 tablets/day oral (Spironolactone 50 mg/hydrochlorothiazide 50 mg)

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows: 

• See “Dosages”

If your medical doctor is using this medicine to treat your pain, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.

• Hydrochlorothiazide and Spironolactone have severe interactions with no other drugs.
• Hydrochlorothiazide and Spironolactone have serious interactions with at least 20 other drugs.
• Hydrochlorothiazide and Spironolactone have moderate interactions with at least 208 other drugs.
• Hydrochlorothiazide and Spironolactone have minor interactions with at least 162 other drugs.

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker for any drug interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all your products. Keep a list of all your medications with you and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your health care professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions or concerns.

Contraindications

• Allergic reaction to hydrochlorothiazide or Spironolactone
• kidney disease or urination problems;
• liver disease;
• high levels of calcium or potassium in your blood;
• an allergy to sulfa drugs; or
• Addison's disease (an adrenal gland disorder).

Effects of drug abuse

• None

Short-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Hydrochlorothiazide and Spironolactone?”

Long-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Hydrochlorothiazide and Spironolactone?”

Cautions

• You should not use this medicine if you have kidney problems, Addison's disease, high blood levels of calcium or potassium, an allergy to sulfa drugs, or if you are unable to urinate.
• Spironolactone has caused tumors in animals but it is not known whether this could occur in people. Do not use this medicine for any condition that has not been checked by your doctor and may increase certain side effects of hydrochlorothiazide and metoprolol.
• In animal studies, Spironolactone caused certain types of tumors. It is not known whether tumors could occur in people using this medicine. Ask your doctor about your risk.
• Hydrochlorothiazide and Spironolactone are not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
• If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using hydrochlorothiazide and Spironolactone. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
• If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.
• Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of hydrochlorothiazide and Spironolactone.
• Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are taking hydrochlorothiazide and Spironolactone unless your doctor has told you to.
• Avoid a diet high in salt. Too much salt will cause your body to retain water and can make this medication less effective.
• This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
• Taking this medicine with other drugs that make you dizzy or lower your blood pressure can worsen these effects. Ask your doctor before taking a sleeping pill, opioid pain medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

Pregnancy & Lactation

• It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
• Lactation
  • Hydrochlorothiazide and Spironolactone can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breastfeed while using this medicine.