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Co-flumactone

  • Co-flumactone is known as a water tablet and will make you want to go to the toilet more to pass urine.
  • Take your dose in the morning after food.

About co-flumactone

Type of medicineDiuretic
Used forHeart failure (a condition where the pumping action of the heart is reduced)
Also calledAldactide 25®
Aldactide 50®
Hydroflumethiazide and spironolactone
Available asTablets

Co-flumactone is a diuretic and is sometimes referred to as a water tablet. It contains two ingredients - hydroflumethiazide and spironolactone.

It is used to help treat heart failure which is a condition where the pumping action of the heart is reduced. Co-flumactone prevents a build-up of fluid by increasing the amount of urine produced by the kidneys. This reduces the amount of work the heart has to do.

Before taking co-flumactone

Before taking co-flumactone make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have liver or kidney problems.
  • If you have gout.
  • If you have diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes).
  • If you have Addison's disease (a disorder of the adrenal glands).
  • If you have porphyria (a blood disorder).
  • If you know you have high levels of potassium or low levels of sodium in your blood.
  • If you suffer from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take co-flumactone

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take co-flumactone exactly as directed by your doctor. Take your dose with or after food.
  • Try to take co-flumactone at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses. It will make you want to go to the toilet more often so your doctor will usually advise you to take your dose in the morning.
  • If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is after 6 pm in the evening, skip the missed dose and continue taking it at the usual times. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Diuretics help you to lose water. On occasions you may lose too much and become dehydrated, leaving you feeling thirsty and your skin looking and feeling dry. Let your doctor know if this happens.
  • A diet rich in potassium should be avoided whilst taking this medicine as too much potassium can be harmful. Your doctor or pharmacist will be able to advise you on your diet. Salt substitutes also contain potassium. Do not use them while taking co-flumactone unless you have been instructed to do so by your doctor.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored.
  • Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first, even if you feel well.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

Can co-flumactone cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
Feeling or being sick, stomach discomfortEat little and often. Stick to simple foods
Dizziness, particularly when getting upGetting up and moving more slowly should help. If you begin to feel dizzy, lie down so that you do not faint, then sit for a few moments before standing
TirednessMake sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which would be dangerous if you were not fully alert
HeadacheAsk your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller. Speak to your doctor if this continues
Increased sensitivity to sunlightAvoid bright sunlight and use a suncream, factor 15 or higher, until you know how your skin reacts. Do not use sunbeds
Sexual problems, enlargement of the breasts (in both men and women), irregular menstrual periods, confusion and skin rashIf any of these become troublesome, speak with your doctor

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store co-flumactone

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • Manufacturer's PIL, Aldactide® 50 and 25 Tablets, Pharmacia Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated September 2009, accessed November 2009.
  • British National Formulary; 58th Edition (September 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2010DocID: 3527DocRef: dils2897Last Reviewed: 7 Jul 2010Version: 22
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