A Novel Potassium-Sparing Diuretic Used Against Pattern Hair Loss
Spironolactone, a prescription-only medication is in a class of drugs called potassium-sparing diuretics (i.
e.
water pills).
Spironolactone is typically used to reduce the amount of fluid in one's body, but without causing the loss of potassium which can sometimes occur through the use of other more commonly prescribed diuretics.
Spironolactone is generally indicated in the treatment of edema and hypertension, however, it has been used off-label to treat female pattern hair loss.
Mechanistically, spironolactone inhibits the effect of aldosterone by competing for intracellular and membrane-bound androgen receptors in the cortical collecting duct.
This decreases the resorption of sodium and water, while likewise decreasing the secretion of potassium.
Spironolactone has a fairly slow onset in vivo, taking several days to metabolize, and, so, the drug effect diminishes slowly.
Spironolactone has anti-androgen activity by binding to the androgen receptor thereby preventing it from interacting with dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
This drug is a known teratogen (can cause feminizing birth defects) so it must not be used by pregnant women.
It is also generally not indicated for use by males due to the potential for feminizing side-effects such as breast enlargement etc.
Impotence and decreased sex drive have also been reported in men using this drug.
Spironolactone should not be used in conjunction with any kind of potassium supplementation.
Spironolactone reduces potassium loss in the body and excessive potassium may cause dangerous hyperkalemia in patients who coadminister these agents together.
In sum, due to the significant side effects and drug interactions in connection with the use of this drug, Spironolactone is not widely used in the setting of pattern hair loss.
e.
water pills).
Spironolactone is typically used to reduce the amount of fluid in one's body, but without causing the loss of potassium which can sometimes occur through the use of other more commonly prescribed diuretics.
Spironolactone is generally indicated in the treatment of edema and hypertension, however, it has been used off-label to treat female pattern hair loss.
Mechanistically, spironolactone inhibits the effect of aldosterone by competing for intracellular and membrane-bound androgen receptors in the cortical collecting duct.
This decreases the resorption of sodium and water, while likewise decreasing the secretion of potassium.
Spironolactone has a fairly slow onset in vivo, taking several days to metabolize, and, so, the drug effect diminishes slowly.
Spironolactone has anti-androgen activity by binding to the androgen receptor thereby preventing it from interacting with dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
This drug is a known teratogen (can cause feminizing birth defects) so it must not be used by pregnant women.
It is also generally not indicated for use by males due to the potential for feminizing side-effects such as breast enlargement etc.
Impotence and decreased sex drive have also been reported in men using this drug.
Spironolactone should not be used in conjunction with any kind of potassium supplementation.
Spironolactone reduces potassium loss in the body and excessive potassium may cause dangerous hyperkalemia in patients who coadminister these agents together.
In sum, due to the significant side effects and drug interactions in connection with the use of this drug, Spironolactone is not widely used in the setting of pattern hair loss.
Source...