Spironolactone

Drug Class

Antiandrogen; diuretic

Trade Names

Aldactone®

Dosage and Administration

Oral: Tablets: Normally used at doses of 100 to 200mg daily.

Safety Information

Spironolactone can cause electrolyte imbalances because it causes the body to retain potassium (K+). In healthy individuals this rarely creates problems; however spironolactone should be used with caution if you have renal or hepatic impairment.

If you are taking spironolactone, care should be taken to reduce your intake of foods that are high in potassium such as Kiwis and bananas. Your potassium levels should be monitored every few weeks once you've begun treatment.

Adverse Effects

Cutaneous effects may include increased sensitivity to sunlight.

Antiandrogenic effects may include breast tenderness and menstrual dysfunction.

Gastrointestinal effects may include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and stomach cramps.

Neurological effects may include clumsiness, drowsiness, dizziness and headache.

FDA Pregnancy Category

Spironolactone may cross the placenta. If you become pregnant while taking spironolactone, call your doctor. Active metabolites of spironolactone are distributed into the breast milk, so breast feeding while on spironolactone is not advised.

To date there are no FDA approved dermatologic indications for spironolactone, however it may be used in the treatment of androgen dependant disorders of the skin.

Major Drug Interactions

Concurrent use of allopurinol, colchicines, probenecid, and sulfapyrazone may increase levels of blood uric acid; anticoagulant effects may be decreased; ACE inhibitors, NSAIDs, cyclosporine and potassium containing medications may promote hyperkalemia; lithium clearance may be reduced; and the half life of digoxin may be prolonged.

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