Spironolactone (Aldactone)
ATI-format individual drug card with NCLEX-focused assessment, safety, teaching, and source attribution.
Spironolactone (Aldactone)
ATI class: Potassium-sparing diuretic / Aldosterone antagonist
Action
- Blocks aldosterone to increase sodium/water excretion while retaining potassium.
Therapeutic use
- Heart failure
- Hypertension
- Edema
- Hyperaldosteronism
Nursing assessment
- Monitor potassium, kidney function, blood pressure, weight, intake/output, and endocrine adverse effects.
Administration
- Verify route against the order and source table.
Side effects
- Dizziness
- GI upset
- Breast tenderness
Adverse effects
- Hyperkalemia
- Kidney impairment
- Gynecomastia
- Hypotension
Interactions
- ACE inhibitors/ARBs
- Potassium supplements
- Salt substitutes
- NSAIDs
- Digoxin
Contraindications
- Hyperkalemia
- Addison disease
- Severe kidney impairment
Precautions
- Avoid potassium salt substitutes unless specifically approved.
Client teaching
- Report palpitations, muscle weakness, severe dizziness, or low urine output.
- Avoid high-potassium supplements unless prescribed.
Medication outcomes
- Therapeutic response with no priority adverse effects.
Antidote / rescue
- No specific antidote is seeded; hold/question unsafe doses and manage toxicity per provider, facility, or poison-control guidance.
NCLEX priority cues
- Spironolactone spares potassium, so high K is the danger.
- ACE/ARB plus potassium-sparing diuretic needs potassium review.
- Salt substitutes can hide potassium.
Medication classes
Source attribution
Related study cards
Shows the medication class, ATI cues, source references, and connected study cards for this drug.
Moves fluid out through the kidneys; the exact electrolyte effect depends on the class.
ATI medication interaction concept.
ATI medication nclex priority cue concept.
ATI medication contraindication concept.
ATI medication class concept.
ATI medication client teaching concept.
ATI medication precaution concept.
ATI medication mechanism of action concept.
ATI medication side effect concept.
ATI medication interaction concept.
ATI medication side effect concept.
ATI medication therapeutic use concept.