Aldactone & potassium

gucci little piggy · 10-20-2002, 05:20 AM

Hey all,

Just a question.

Been taking aldactone (spironolactone) for about a month now... and since it is a potassium-sparing diuretic, I've been a little worried about how much potassium i should or should not be consuming. Before taking this medication i'd eat heaps of potassium rich foods like bananas, dried fruit, orange juice etc etc... Now, i'm trying to limit my intake but would like to know what limits i can stay in? Anyone have any advice? Today i had a bit of orange juce, maybe one tiny piece of dried apricot, and stupidly a mango as well and right now i'm feeling a little bit loss for breath - this is a symptom of too much potassium in the blood right? I think i read that you can alleviate all this by taking in more water or something... Not sure, just thought i'd post anyway coz it can be rather serious.

Cheers

Serena · 10-20-2002, 05:54 AM

Hey Gucci,

I'm not an expert, but don't think shortness of breath is a symptom. I looked up the symptoms of potassium overdose and they're listed as: Blood in stools, cardiac arrest, irregular heartbeat, muscle paralysis, muscle weakness.

Maybe if it happens again you should see your doc.

lollipop · 10-20-2002, 04:43 PM

I take spironolactone and have overdosed before on potassium. I didn't realize how much potassium was in soy milk (loaded) and drank a whole bunch one time before I went away. I felt huge cramping pain in my back. Where my kidneys are. My heart kinda raced a bit too. Just felt generally unwell. I phoned my doctor at the time and he said don't take anymore spiro and drink lots of water it would be ok.

I wouln't worry too much about the odd glass of oj or the odd banana. Just don't consume potassium rich foods daily. It takes alot to get a reaction. Yes drinking water helps. If you feel you have eaten too much potassium rich foods. Just don't take your pill that day and drink lots of water to flush it out. This is just my experience. I have the odd banana and the odd glass of oj too because I miss them, but you get used to it. You do have to be careful it has potential for problems. I find all in all I would much rather be on the medication than go off. It is a diuretic as well so it keeps the water retention down as well as it is an anti androgen that helps with high testosterone levels. Take care.

ldavis · 10-21-2002, 11:02 AM

Hi, I have been taking aldactone for about 4months now
and I have stopped eating fruit altogether. I love fruit but I would
much rather have less hair.
So yes if I were you I would watch my potassium intake and drink a lot of water.

linni · 10-21-2002, 02:34 PM

Is it really necessary to watch your potassium intake so closely while on spiro? I take 200mg a day... and I drink orange juice like it is going out of style. and i haven't had any problems yet.

linni

ldavis · 10-21-2002, 04:04 PM

I think you should do whatever works for you.
I personaly watch my potassium intake. I have also lost weight while on aldactone and I believe that is in part due to the fact that I cut out fruit and cereals from my diet.

gucci little piggy · 10-23-2002, 08:33 AM

thanks for the advice ^_^

you know, i just realised... potassium is in a helluva lot of food. Almost everything has a bit of it. Ah well, will indeed watch this intake.