Brand Name: Aldazide

Generic Name: Spironolactone 25 mg, Butizide 2.5 mg

Indications: Essential hypertension, edema and ascites of CHF, liver cirrhosis, nephritic
syndrome, idiopathic edema
Drug Classification: Diuretic
Mechanism of Action: : competes with aldosterone for receptor sites in the distal renal
tubules, increasing sodium chloride and water excretion while conserving
potassium and hydrogen ions, may block the effect of aldosterone on arteriolar
smooth muscle as well
Dosage: Essential Hypertension 2-4 tab/day for 2 weeks or longer. Edema initially 4 tab
daily then reduce to optimum dose. If adequate diuretic does not occur after 3
days, increase dose up to 8 tab daily. Children 1.65-3.3 mg of
spironolactone/kg/day in divided doses
Special Precautions: Acute or severe hepatic failure decompensated hepatic cirrhosis,
pregnancy, lactation, concominant administration of K supplements or other K
sparing agents, SLE. Monitor fluid and electrolytes.
Pregnancy Risk Category D
Adverse reaction: Gynecomastia, GI symptoms, lethargy, headache and
thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, agranulocytosis, cutaneous eruptions, pruritus,
mental confusion, paresthesia, acute pancreatitis, jaundice, orthostatic
hypertension, muscle spasm, weakness, fever, ataxia
Contraindications: Acute renal insufficiency, significant impairment of renal function,
anuria, hyperkalemia
Form: tab 100’s
Nursing Responsibilities:
 Educate patient to avoid hazardous activity such as driving until response to
drug is known.
 Take with meals or milk; avoid excessive ingestion of food high in potassium or
use of salt substitutes
 Diuretic effect may be delayed 2-3 days and maximum hypertensive may be
delayed 2-3weeks; monitor I and O ratios and daily weight, BP, serum
electrolytes (K, Na) and renal function