Potassium can send you down into a spiral. That is why Spironolactone (Aldactone) is a potassium-sparing diuretic!
Spironolactone (Aldactone) has a direct effect on the distal tubules in the kidney. It gets into a fight with aldosterone for cell receptors sites while inducing urinary excretion of sodium and reducing excretion of potassium and hydrogen ions.
This is important when you want to avoid getting rid of too much potassium in the body.
Spironolactone (Aldactone) is used to:
- Treat hypertension and edema.
- Reduce edema in clients with severe heart failure.
Do not use Spironolactone (Aldactone) for patients with:
- Hypersensitivity (of course think about allergies)
- Renal failure
- Anuria
- Hyperkalemia (if the medication does not get rid of potassium, then why give it to a patient with an overload of potassium?)
Be cautious in administering this medication to patients with renal dysfunction.
Side effects to watch out for:
- Hyperkalemia
- Hyponatremia
- Weakness
- Dehydration
- Hyperglycemia
- Hirsuitism
- Menstrual irregularities
- Gynecomastia
- Impotence
- Deepening of voice
Nursing actions to take with Spironolactone (Aldactone) administration:
- Monitor intake and output.
- Watch for cardiac dysrhythmias.
- Monitor levels of electrolytes (too much potassium, too little sodium).
- Tell patients to report cramps, weakness, fatigue, nausea, or any of the above side effects mentioned.
