Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill). Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic.

Hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone is a combination medicine used to treat fluid retention (edema) in people with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, or a kidney disorder called nephrotic syndrome. This medicine also treats high blood pressure (hypertension), or low potassium levels (hypokalemia) caused by using a diuretic.

Do not use this medicine for any condition that has not been checked by your doctor.

Hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to hydrochlorothiazide or spironolactone, or if you have:

• kidney disease or urination problems;
• liver disease;
• high levels of calcium or potassium in your blood;
• an allergy to sulfa drugs; or
• Addison's disease (an adrenal gland disorder).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• cirrhosis or other liver disease;
• severe kidney disease;
• asthma or allergies;
• glaucoma;
• gout;
• diabetes; or
• lupus.

In animal studies, spironolactone caused certain types of tumors. It is not known whether tumors could occur in people using this medicine. Ask your doctor about your risk.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

You should not breastfeed while using this medicine.

This medicine is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Use Hydrochlorothiazide And Spironolactone (Aldactazide) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling).

Seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include: skin rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;
• breast swelling and tenderness;
• low blood cell counts--easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath;
• high potassium level--nausea, weakness, tingly feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement;
• low potassium level--leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling; or
• low sodium level --headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady.

Common side effects may include:

• drowsiness, dizziness, lack of energy;
• leg cramps;
• weakness;
• feeling like you might pass out;
• severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting; or
• electrolyte imbalance.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Hydrochlorothiazide may increase your risk of skin cancer. Avoid sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors. Your doctor may want you to have skin examinations on a regular basis.

Drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause side effects.

Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes, unless your doctor has told you to.

Avoid a diet high in salt. Too much salt will cause your body to retain water and can make this medication less effective.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.