AI Summary Aldactone (spironolactone) is a prescription diuretic used as a first-line treatment for ascites caused by cirrhosis and portal hypertension.
Medically reviewed.
Aldactone (spironolactone) is a prescription diuretic used as a first-line treatment for ascites caused by cirrhosis and portal hypertension. It helps the body remove extra fluid through the kidneys while keeping potassium better than many other diuretics. It is taken as an oral tablet, usually for the long term. Treatment decisions should always be individualized and guided by a healthcare professional.
This page covers how Aldactone works, who it may suit, how it is used, its benefits and side effects, and the daily habits that support treatment. You can also connect with a liver specialist near you for personalized guidance on whether Aldactone fits your care plan.
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ABOUT ALDACTONE TREATMENT
Aldactone is a prescription medicine that contains spironolactone. It is a diuretic, a medicine that helps the body get rid of extra fluid. It comes as an oral tablet.
Doctors use it as a first-line treatment for ascites, a buildup of fluid in the abdomen, when the cause is cirrhosis or portal hypertension. Portal hypertension means high blood pressure in the blood vessels of the liver.
Aldactone is usually part of a broader plan that includes a low-sodium diet and regular checks of your weight, kidney function, blood pressure, and potassium. Some people also take furosemide (Lasix), a second diuretic, alongside it. To learn how doctors confirm ascites, see Ascites Testing.
WHO ALDACTONE MAY BE SUITABLE FOR
Your healthcare provider may prescribe Aldactone if you have ascites caused by cirrhosis or portal hypertension and need long-term medical management of fluid retention. It may also be considered if you have swelling in the abdomen from excess fluid, or if your provider wants to reduce ascites and help keep it from coming back.
Aldactone is a good fit when the goal is to counter aldosterone-related sodium retention. Your medical history, kidney function, and other medicines all shape the decision.
Because every patient's health profile is different, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. A qualified healthcare professional should make the decision after a full assessment of your liver condition and treatment goals.
ELIGIBILITY OVERVIEW
Aldactone may be considered for adults with the following conditions or treatment goals:
Before recommending Aldactone, healthcare providers look at several factors, including:
HOW ALDACTONE CAN HELP WITH ASCITES
Aldactone blocks the effects of aldosterone, a hormone that makes the body hold on to sodium and water. With aldosterone blocked, the kidneys release more sodium and water, and less fluid collects in the abdomen.
Unlike many other diuretics, Aldactone helps preserve potassium levels. This makes it a well-suited choice for fluid buildup caused by advanced liver disease.
For people with cirrhosis-related ascites, these effects support goals such as less abdominal swelling and longer-term control of fluid. Aldactone is not used on its own. Providers pair it with a low-sodium diet and regular monitoring of weight, kidney function, blood pressure, and potassium.
SUPPORT IN DAILY CARE
Aldactone works through your kidneys, which release more sodium and water. With less fluid collecting in your abdomen, you may notice less swelling over time.
Providers also prescribe Aldactone to help keep ascites from coming back. Taking it every day, exactly as prescribed, helps your body keep fluid under steady control.
Aldactone is a tablet, so you do not need injections or infusions. You can take it with or without food, as your healthcare provider directs.
If Aldactone alone does not remove enough fluid, your provider may add a second diuretic, furosemide (Lasix). The two medicines work in different ways and often complement each other. Your provider decides whether you need one or both.
Aldactone supports your health by helping your body release extra fluid, lowering the chance it returns, fitting into daily routines, and working alongside other diuretics when needed. Your healthcare provider can explain how it fits your needs.
TREATMENT PROCESS
Aldactone is supplied as oral tablets. Take it exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes, and ask your pharmacist if you have questions about your tablets.
The typical starting dose is 100 mg once daily. Your provider may adjust it gradually based on fluid status, kidney function, and how you respond. Doses up to 400 mg daily may be used in selected patients. Your healthcare provider sets the right dose for you.
Aldactone is a tablet, not an injection or infusion. Take it with or without food, as your healthcare provider directs. Do not change your dose without medical guidance.
Aldactone is generally used as a long-term or indefinite therapy for cirrhosis-related ascites. Treatment often continues as long as fluid persists, or until liver function improves or a definitive therapy such as transplant is performed. Do not stop taking it without talking to your healthcare provider first.
Store Aldactone tablets at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
Your healthcare provider will regularly check your body weight, kidney function, blood pressure, and potassium levels. Attend scheduled follow-up visits and lab tests, and report any side effects or unusual symptoms.
BENEFITS AND SAFETY
Aldactone (spironolactone) may help people with cirrhosis-related ascites by reducing fluid in the abdomen and supporting long-term fluid control. It is the standard first treatment for this type of ascites, and it helps lower the risk of low potassium levels. How well it works varies from person to person, depending on liver condition, kidney function, and how the body responds. Aldactone is not a stand-alone plan. It works best alongside a low-sodium diet, daily weight checks, and regular monitoring of kidney function, blood pressure, and potassium.
As with any medication, Aldactone may cause side effects. The most common are listed below. Your healthcare provider will monitor your treatment and decide whether Aldactone remains a suitable option for you.
BENEFITS
Aldactone helps reduce the buildup of fluid in the abdomen, which is the main goal of treatment for cirrhosis-related ascites. How much it helps varies with your liver condition, kidney function, and how your body responds to treatment.
It is the standard initial treatment for cirrhosis-related ascites, so it is usually the first diuretic a provider considers. Your provider chooses the right starting plan after reviewing your diagnosis, kidney function, and other medicines.
Aldactone preserves potassium better than many other diuretics, which lowers the risk of low potassium levels. Potassium can also rise too high, so regular blood tests are part of your care, and your provider will watch your results closely.
It supports ongoing fluid control for people who need treatment over time. Many people with cirrhosis-related ascites take it for the long term, and treatment often continues as long as fluid persists. Talk with your provider before you stop or change it.
Your healthcare provider will check your potassium levels, kidney function, and blood pressure during treatment. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your care team.
SUPPORTING YOUR RESULTS
Lifestyle changes are an important part of ascites care alongside Aldactone. Sodium attracts water, so too much salt in your diet can lead to more fluid buildup. Reading Nutrition Facts labels can help you keep track of how much sodium you eat.
These habits can support how your body responds to treatment and help your care team track your fluid status over time.
Areas that may support treatment:
COMMON QUESTIONS
Aldactone is mainly prescribed for people with ascites caused by cirrhosis or portal hypertension. Providers may consider it if you have abdominal swelling from excess fluid, need long-term management of fluid retention, or want to reduce ascites and help prevent it from returning. Your diagnosis, kidney function, potassium levels, blood pressure, and other medicines all shape the decision. Only a qualified healthcare professional can decide if Aldactone fits your care plan, so talk with your provider or a liver specialist about your situation.
No, Aldactone does not cure ascites or the liver disease behind it. It helps your kidneys clear extra sodium and water, which can reduce abdominal fluid and support long-term control. How well it works varies with your liver condition, kidney function, and response to treatment. It works best alongside a low-sodium diet, daily weight checks, and regular follow-up. Ask your healthcare provider what realistic goals look like for your care plan.
Many people with cirrhosis-related ascites take Aldactone for the long term, sometimes indefinitely. Treatment often continues as long as fluid persists, or until liver function improves or a definitive therapy such as transplant is performed. Do not stop taking it on your own or change your dose without medical guidance. Your healthcare provider decides when to adjust or stop it based on your fluid status, kidney function, and response to treatment.
The most common side effects of Aldactone include elevated potassium levels, dizziness, fatigue, breast tenderness or enlargement, and muscle cramps. Because potassium can rise too high, your care team checks your levels with regular blood tests. Side effects can differ from person to person. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your healthcare provider rather than stopping the medicine yourself. Your provider will monitor your treatment and decide whether Aldactone remains a suitable option for you.
Your care team regularly checks your body weight, kidney function, blood pressure, and potassium levels while you take Aldactone. You may be asked to weigh yourself daily to track fluid changes. Attend every follow-up visit and lab test, and report dizziness, muscle cramps, or other new symptoms. These checks help your provider adjust your dose as your fluid status changes and confirm that Aldactone is still working safely for you.
Yes, Aldactone can be taken with Lasix in some cases. Furosemide (Lasix) is a second diuretic that is often used together with Aldactone when more fluid removal is needed. The two medicines work differently, and a provider may combine them to improve fluid removal and electrolyte balance. Your healthcare provider decides whether you need one or both medicines and sets the doses. Never add, stop, or change a diuretic on your own.
Medical disclaimer: LiverDirectory provides educational information and a directory of providers. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a licensed physician regarding any medical condition.
