(Spironlactone, Hydrochlorothiazide) 25mg x 20 tablets
Product: Aldactazide Active substance: Spironlactone, Hydrochlorothiazide Packaging: 25mg x 20 tablets Volume: 20 tabs (total 500 mg)
Price: $7.50 (€5.94)
Aldactazide
(Spironlactone/Hydrochlorothiazide)
Aldactazide® is a trade name (Searle) for an oral, combination diuretic. Specifically it contains a mixture of spironolactone (Aldactide) and hydrochlorthiazide (Hydrodiuril). Aldactone® is a milder, potassium sparing diuretic while Hydrodiuril is a more potent compound from the thiazide family. The combination produces a diuretic with potency comparable to that seen with a doubling in thiazide dosage (when used alone), but without the same level of calcium and potassium excretion. While a potassium supplement is often required with thiazide treatment, the balance of the two drugs in Aldactazide® virtually eliminates this need. Medically this drug is used to treat cases of hypertension (high blood pressure) and edemas (swelling due to excessive water retention). When administered, diuresis (water excretion) becomes pronounced within a couple of hours. It may actually take three to four hours for the peak effect to be noticed, and the drug will remain active in the body for a total duration of approximately twelve hours.
Athletes use diuretics in order to shed extra water retained in the body. This practice is popular in competitive bodybuilding situations, as a drop in subcutaneous water storage can result in an increase in the level of definition to the physique. Competitors in weight class sports like boxing and wrestling also make use of diuretics, administering them to manipulate their body weight for category adjustments. Since the "weigh-in" procedure is generally done a day or days before a competition, the athlete has a clear window of opportunity to drop body weight and lower his/her weight class assignment. The hours or days after the weigh-in gives the competitor more than ample time to rehydrate, and compete at a weight well above that which is dictated by their category. This could certainly be considered an (extremely) unfair advantage, if it were not balanced out by the fact that "dropping weight" (either pharmaceutically or otherwise) is an almost universal practice within such disciplines.
The dosage of the two constituents does vary somewhat among the different preparations, so one should be cautious to notice the actual dosage of both drugs before administering Aldactazide®. The user, depending on individual needs, will need to judge the timing of his diuretic use in relation to the weigh-in or show. The whole intake/preparation schedule should also not run longer than a few days, so as to minimize potential health risks. It is also much more effective when the athlete is familiar with the process well before actually needing to do so. This way frantic last minute diuretic use can be avoided, as the user should be fully prepared. When administered haphazardly, it is very easy to achieve too great a diuretic effect. The result in this case might not be a defined look, but a flat, deflated appearance brought about by severe dehydration.
The most common practice among athletes is to administer a single 50 mg/50 mg tablet of Aldactazide in the morning (with a meal), and to wait and judge the diuretic effect. After a number of hours, this is repeated if a stronger effect is needed. Usually 2-3 tablets of Aldactazide will be taken by the days end. Remember that this compound, hydrochlorthiazide in particular, can remain active for many hours. Overlapping dosages will certainly amplify any diuretic effect. Without a large enough gap between tablets, the active dosage/effect may be difficult to judge. The accumulated effect, of course, has the potential to reach a dangerous point.
This diuretic (as all) can present a number of unwanted side effects to the user. This includes, but is not limited to, dehydration, cramping, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, anxiety, unrest, weakness, numbing of extremities and cardiac irregularities. One also risks severe dehydration, with potential to result in coma or death. Unfortunately athletes will too often push their diuretic use to the limits of persona] health. The line between a desired effect and serious complications is, in many instances, very fine. While serious side effects appear less frequently with this class of diuretic (than say Lasix (furosemide)), it should still remain a constant concern. Additionally, spironlactone can lower serum androgen levels due to its interference with the biosynthesis of testosterone. This combined with a weak ability to inhibit androgen receptor binding give this drug notable anti-androgenic properties. Since athletes use this compound for only short periods of time however, this effect should not be much of a worry.
Reported Characteristics
Active-Life: 10-12 hours
Drug Class: Diuretic (Oral)
Average Reported Dosage: 50-200mg (total) daily
Spironothiazid is a diureteic and an ALDOSTERONE antagonist. This means thatit suppresses the water retaining actions of the hormone ALDOSTERONE whilelowering water retention by lowering electrolytes (potassium, sodium, and calcium). Theadvantage of the combination is that the potassium absorption effect by thespironolactone can be mediated by the hydrochlorthiazide. Because of this, some of thepotassium loss side effects can be avoided. This is probably a safer choice than LASIXthough any diuretic use should be medically monitored. Thiazides also lead to a lowerloss of calcium.
Side effects are commonly due to imbalances in electrolytes and fluids. They caninclude irregular pulse rate, cramps, and light headiness. Since the drug has ANTIANDROGENICquality (spironolactone), men can experience possible gyno, andimpotence due to higher dosage and/or prolonged use. These were noted to not occur dueto the brief administration period normally employed. According to available literature, itis best to avoid higher potassium intake during use. Dosages were usually 50-150mg aday for no more than 3 days. Dosages were divided into 2-3 daily dosages.