This drug is a mild diuretic which works by inhibiting the effects of aldosterone in the body. As with aldactazide, it is often used for the treatment of high blood pressure. Some pre - contest bodybuilders find it helpful in reducing excess water from abnormally high estrogen in the system. Recently woman have been using the drug as an anti - androgen. This drug has the ability to reverse the effects of androgens in woman. This is often a very useful drug when a woman is taking steroids and begins to suffer masculinisation. In this case woman usually stop using this parades and take Aldactone for one to three weeks; until the androgens turn to an acceptable range. This drug like all diuretics can cause some serious side effects; muscle cramping, heart problems and dizziness to mention a few. Aldactone is usually obtained from a doctor who helps the individual with the proper use. Due to the anti-androgenic effects of this drug, male bodybuilders use it for only a few days at a time. It will lower androgens so significantly in some cases that gynecomastia becomes a problem. A dose of one tablet taken two times daily was most common.

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 dragees 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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