Medication Information for: Spironolactone and Hydrochlorothiazide oral suspension (Aldactazide)

(spir-o-no-lac-tone) and (hi-dro-klo-ro-thi-a-zide)

Why? Aldactazide is a combination of two drugs used to treat babies with high blood pressure or heart failure. Both drugs are diuretics, which increase urine output and decrease fluids in the body. This helps decrease the work the heart has to do. The two drugs work in different ways. Together, they work better with fewer side effects that they do alone. The doctor will decide how long treatment is needed. Do not stop the medicine or change the dose without talking to the doctor.

How? Give Aldactazide as ordered. Aldactazide is usually given two times a day.

Your baby's dose is:
___________ml, ________times a day at __________o'clock and _________o'clock.

Measure the dose and mix it with a small amount of milk before you give it to the baby.

Aldactazide should be kept in the refrigerator. Shake the bottle before measuring the dose. Aldactazide isn't widely available as a liquid medicine, but pharmacists can make this medicine for babies when it is needed. We recommend using Mercy Pharmacy at St. John's Mercy Medical Center (314) 569-6086 for your prescriptions. If this is inconvenient, your pharmacist at home can call Mercy Pharmacy to ask how to make Aldactazide suspension. Mercy Pharmacy mails prescriptions. Plan ahead to make sure you have enough time to get this refilled. Do not use Aldactazide after the expiration date on the bottle.

Any problems? Most side effects of Aldactazide would be seen in the hospital before the baby goes home. Aldactazide can cause nausea and vomiting, or diarrhea. It can cause dehydration, especially if the baby gets diarrhea. Call the doctor right away if the baby shows signs of dehydration. The signs include dry tongue or mouth, sunken soft spot, or doughy skin. The baby might need an IV for fluids. Babies on Aldactazide can be especially sensitive to sun and heat.

Sometimes the baby will need a blood test called "electrolytes". The test tells the doctor if the baby has enough fluid and salt in the body, and helps decide if more or less medicine is needed.

ALWAYS KEEP ALL MEDICATIONS OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.

Check your supply before vacations, holidays and other times when you might not be able to obtain more.

Kelly Burch, PharmD
November, 1999
Reviewed and revised August 2004
(provided by St. John's Mercy Medical Center