While you’re being treated with Aldactone, your doctor will likely want to monitor you using lab tests. This helps them determine whether the drug is working and see if you’re developing side effects.
Within one week of starting Aldactone treatment, your doctor will test the level of potassium in your blood. This is because the drug can cause hyperkalemia (high blood levels of potassium). Your doctor will likely perform this test on a regular basis while you take Aldactone.
Your doctor will also likely order the following tests while you’re being treated with Aldactone:
Kidney function. This exam checks how well your kidneys are working.
Volume status. This test shows whether your body has too much, too little, or the right amount of fluids. Aldactone can affect your fluid volume.
Electrolytes and other measures of body function. Besides potassium, your doctor may monitor levels of other electrolytes in your blood. (Electrolytes are minerals that are electrically charged.) This includes sodium. In addition, your doctor may look at your blood work to make sure other levels are within normal range.
Your doctor will determine how often you’ll need to have each test completed.