Aldactone
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Aldactone is a diuretic and belongs to the subgroup of potassium-sparing
diuretics. Aldactone is an aldosterone antagonist. It influences
the body's own hormone, aldosterone, which accelerates the excretion
of potassium and reduces the excretion of sodium and water Simplified;
aldosterone regulates the endogenous water household. The higher
the aldosterone level, the more water is stored in the body. The
use of Aldactone results in a significant reduction in the aldosterone
level so that an increased excretion of sodium and water occurs
while, at the same time, potassium is reabsorbed. This also explains
why Aldactone is called a potassium-sparing diuretic since it
does not cause a loss of potassium like thiazides and furosemides.
Athletes must strictly observe that during the use of Aldactone
no additional potassium is taken since this would cause a life-threatening
increase in the serum potassium level. Potassium sparing diuretics
have relatively low diuretic effects so that Aldactone can be
called a mild diuretic. It is interesting to note that Aldactone
is also an antiandrogen since it reduces the androgen level. Female
athletes take advantage of this characteristic by using it to
minimize the virilization symptoms during steroid treatment or
the symptoms after treatment. For this purpose Aldactone is normally
taken daily for 10 to 14 days, usually in a dose of 50 mg/day.
In men this could cause problems since the relationship of the
androgen level to the estrogen level changes in favor of the latter
Thus, common side effects in men include pain in the nipples and
breast swelling (gynecomastia).
Bodybuilders use Aldactone almost exclusively during the last
week before a competition. Since this causes neither a dramatic
nor an immediately noticeable draining effect, it is usually taken
over 5-6 days in a dosage of 2 tablets of 50 mg daily. Aldactone
should not be used to expediently drain water at the last minute.
Both male and female athletes take it. The side effects of potassium-saving
diuretics are relatively low compared to thiazides and furosemides.
The main problems in men consist of gynecomastia and possible
impotence. Other side effects can be low blood pressure, muscle
spasms, dizziness, gastrointestinal pain, vomiting, irregular
pulse rate, and fatigue. It is important to note that there is
Ii', significant increase in the serum potassium level (see above).
Aldactone is a prescription drug available in American pharmacies.
Aldactone by Hoehringer Mannheim of Germany is often found on
be black market. A package contains 50 degrees of 50 mg each and
costs approx. $30. On the black market. The Mexican Aldactone
by Searle can also frequently be found on the black market. The
25-mg tablets are of light-brown color; indented, and have a SEARLE
imprint. The original package contains three strips, each with
10 tab-lets. There are currently no Aldactone fakes available
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