This medicine is an aldosterone blocker used to treat high blood pressure alone or along with other medicines. It is also used to improve survival in patients who have certain heart problems (left ventricular systolic dysfunction and congestive heart failure) after a heart attack. This medicine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. TAKE THIS MEDICINE by mouth with or without food. STORE THIS MEDICINE at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and away from pets. Take this medicine regularly to receive the most benefit from it. Taking this medicine at the same time(s) each day will help you to remember. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. DO NOT TAKE 2 doses at once.
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are taking clarithromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, nefazodone, nelfinavir, ritonavir, or troleandomycin. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are taking this medicine to treat high blood pressure and you are also taking potassium supplements or potassium-sparing diuretics (eg, amiloride, spironolactone, triamterene). ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (eg, enalapril), angiotensin receptor blockers (eg, valsartan), azole antifungals (eg, fluconazole), HIV protease inhibitors (eg, saquinavir), lithium, macrolide antibiotics (eg, erythromycin), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen, naproxen), or verapamil. Tell your doctor if you are taking this medicine for certain heart problems following a heart attack and you are also taking potassium supplements or potassium-sparing diuretics. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including kidney problems, diabetes, protein in your urine, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Tell your doctor if you have a history of high blood potassium levels. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have severe kidney problems or high blood potassium levels. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you are taking this medicine to treat high blood pressure and you have type 2 diabetes with protein in your urine. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include dizziness or tiredness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience abnormal vaginal bleeding; chest pain; enlarged or sore breasts in men; fast or irregular heartbeat; severe or persistent diarrhea or dizziness; swelling of the legs, ankles, or feet; or vomiting. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
IF OVERDOSE IS SUSPECTED, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose include fainting, irregular heartbeat, or severe or persistent dizziness or lightheadedness.
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. IF YOU WILL BE USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, be sure to obtain necessary refills before your supply runs out. CHECK WITH YOUR PHARMACIST about how to dispose of unused medicine.