What is Spironolactone?
Spironolactone is a prescription only treatment and is an anti-androgen. Androgen hormones, like testosterone, are typically thought of as male hormones, but androgens are also present in the female body, although in lower levels. Spironolactone blocks androgen receptors in the body, preventing cells from absorbing androgen hormones, which can cause acne. Spironolactone is only prescribed for females, is non hormonal, and does not act as a contraceptive.
What is it used for?
- Water retention
- Acne
- Female pattern hair loss (not Alopecia Areata)
- Hirsutism (excessive body hair growth)
Spironolactone is a type of medicine called a potassium-sparing diuretic. Diuretics are sometimes referred to as ‘water tablets’. Most other diuretics cause the amount of potassium in the blood to drop. Spironolactone doesn't have this effect, and so is called a 'potassium-sparing' diuretic.
Spironolactone is also used as an acne treatment for women only. Spironolactone has been used for over 20 years as an anti androgen in the treatment of acne and hirsutism[1], and is the most widely prescribed medication for these problems in the USA. Spironolactone is used as a primary medical treatment for hirsutism and female pattern hair loss. Continuous treatment is required to sustain the effect. It is an effective alternative treatment for acne in women. It has the benefit of a long-term safety profile.[2]
Female pattern hair loss is progressive and when untreated leads to baldness... It (Spironolactone) has been shown to arrest hair loss progression with a long-term safety profile. A significant percentage of women also achieve partial hair re growth.[3] Hair regrowth may plateau at 24 months, therefore the addition of twice daily therapy with topical minoxidil (Regaine) solution should be introduced, as clinical trials confirmed the additive effect of combination therapy.[4]
How it works?
Spironolactone is an anti androgen therapy that works in two ways. First of all it slows down the production of androgens in the adrenal glands and ovaries. Secondly it blocks the action of androgens in part by preventing dihydrotestosterone from binding to its androgenetic receptor and as a result, the hair loss stops.
How quickly can you expect results with Spironolactone?
You can expect results within a couple of months of using Spironolactone. Hair Loss normally stops after 2-4 months of regular use.
Spironolactone Dosage
Spironolactone is available from medical Specialists in 100-mg tablets. The recommended dosage for female hair loss treatment is 100 mg daily.
How can I buy Spironolactone online
You can buy Spironolactone online with or without a prescription at Medical Specialists, after completing a simple online consultation. If you prefer to order Spironolactone UK over the phone, just give us a call and we will be pleased to help. We are the UK’s leading supplier of acne, excessive hair, and hair loss treatment, and Spironolactone for sale in the UK by a pharmacy is regulated by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain.
For full patient information, please read or print out the leaflet provided at the bottom of this page about Spironolactone.
This patient information leaflet is provided for information purposes only. This leaflet information should not be used in contradiction with your Doctor or Pharmacist's advice. Medical Specialists recommend that you carefully read the information leaflet provided with your medication. Medical Specialists will not accept liability for information displayed. Please refer to the leaflet provided with your medication for the latest manufacturer's information.
References:
1. Shaw JC. et al (2002) "Long-term safety of spironolactone in acne: results of an 8-year followup study. " J Cutan Med Surg. 6(6):541-5. PMID 12219252
2. Rathnayake D, Sinclair R. (2010) "Use of spironolactone in dermatology." Skinmed. 8(6):328-32. PMID 21413648
3. Rathnayake D, Sinclair R.. (2010) "Innovative use of spironolactone as an antiandrogen in the treatment of female pattern hair loss." Dermatol Clin. 28(3):611-8.PMID 20510769
4. Hoedemaker C. et al (2007) "Treatment of female pattern hair loss with a combination of spironolactone and minoxidil." Australas J Dermatol. 48(1):43-5. PMID 17222303
Spironolactone Side Effects
Spironolactone may cause the following side effects:
- menstrual cycle irregularities
- diarrhoea
- nausea
- headache
- drowsiness (possibly due to high blood potassium levels)
Do not takeSpironolactone if:
• you have had an unusual or allergic reaction to spironolactone in the past;
• you have Addison’s disease; (a hormone deficiency characterised by extreme weakness,
loss of weight and low blood pressure);
• you have hyperkalaemia (raised blood potassium levels);
• you cannot pass urine;
• you have severe kidney disease;
• you are breast-feeding.
Take special care withSpironolactone if:
• you suffer from kidney or liver disease;
• you are pregnant.
Taking other medicines
Please tell your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including
medicines obtained without prescription. Your doctor may wish to alter your dose of Spironolactone
if you are taking any of the following:
• digoxin or carbenoxolone;
• medicines for high blood pressure;
• other diuretics;
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as aspirin or ibuprofen,
• potassium supplements.
If you are going to have an operation where you will be given an anaesthetic, tell the doctor in
charge that you are taking Spironolactone.