Spironolactone

Generic name: Spironolactone
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Potassium-sparing diuretics & Aldosterone antagonist
Therapeutic indication: Hypertension & Primary hyperaldosteronism & Congestive heart failure treatment adjunct & Hypokalemia & Polycystic ovary syndrome & Female hirsutism
Dosage and Administration: Tablet 25mg & 100mg
Edema:
Adult: Initial: Oral, 25 to 200mg a day in two to four divided doses for at least five days, when used as monotherapy for diuresis.
Maintenance: oral, adjusted to meet individual requirements.
Antihypertensive:
Adult: Initial: Oral, 50 to 100mg a day as a single daily dose or in two to four divided doses for at least two weeks, followed by gradual dosage adjustment every two weeks as necessary up to 200mg a day.
Maintenance: oral, adjusted to meet individual requirements.
Primary hyperaldosteronism:
Maintenance: oral, 100 to 400mg/d in two to four divided daily doses prior to surgery; smaller doses may be used for long-term maintenance in patients unsuitable for surgery.
Congestive heart failure treatment adjunct: Adult: oral, 25mg to 50mg once daily.
Polycystic ovary syndrome: Adult: oral, 100mg to 200mg per day in two divided daily doses.
Female hirsutism: Adult: oral, 100mg bid.
Pediatric: Edema or Hypertension:
Initial: Oral, 1 to 3mg/kg a day as a single daily dose or in two to four divided doses, the dosage being readjusted after five days. Dosage may be increased up to three times the initial dose.
Side effect: Hyperkalemia (confusion, irregular heartbeat, nervousness, numbness or tingling in hands, feet or lips, weakness), antiandrogenic or endocrine effect (irregular menstrual period, enlargement of breasts), gastrointestinal irritation (nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea), CNS effect, decreased sexual ability, dizziness, headache, hyponatremia  
Information on the shelf life: 2 years