Aldactazide is a combination of spironolactone (a potassium-sparing diuretic) and hydrochlorothiazide (a thiazide diuretic). This is a tan colored tablet available in 25mg/25mg and 50mg/50mg. It can be purchased under the brand name Aldactazide or generically (at a lower cost) as spironolactone and hydrochlorothiazide.

This medication is prescribed to those who have fluid retention, otherwise known as edema, or those with hypertension (high blood pressure). Edema is seen in people with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver and nephrotic (kidney disorder).

Aldactazide works by preventing the body from absorbing too much salt (too much salt will cause fluid retention) which is done by the thiazide diuretic (hydrochlorothiazide). The potassium-sparing diuretic (spironolactone) does the same but also keeps your potassium levels from getting too low. Low potassium levels are linked to high blood pressure.

Always follow directions given to you by your doctor.

Do not share this medication with others.

Take this medication with or without food, once or twice daily.

If you take this drug too close to bedtime, you may need to wake up to urinate. It is suggested you take this pill 4 hours before bedtime.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to hydrochlorothiazide or spironolactone.

Spironolactone has been known to cause tumors in animals but it has not yet been proven to do the same in humans.

If you have any of the following, be sure to speak to your doctor before taking Aldactazide:

kidney disease or urination problems; liver disease (such as cirrhosis); high levels of calcium or potassium in your blood; an allergy to sulfa drugs; Addison's disease (an adrenal gland disorder). severe kidney disease; asthma; diabetes; or lupus.

Common side effects of Aldactazide include:

Dizziness, lightheadedness, loss of appetite, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, or gas.

Tell your doctor right away if you experience:

Joint pain, breast pain, breast enlargement in men (gynecomastia), easy bruising or bleeding, unusual change in the amount of urine (not including the normal increase in urine when you first start this drug), yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, severe stomach or abdominal pain, decrease in vision, or eye pain.

What are the signs of an overdose?

• Difficulty with sleeping
• disorientation
• drowsiness to profound
• coma
• hallucination
• lethargy 
• lightheadedness
• mood or other mental changes
• rash with flat lesions or small raised lesions on the skin

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember or skip it if your next dose is approaching soon. Never double up on dosages.

What is the best way to store this medication?

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat and light. Keep away from children and pets.