Spironolactone
Spironolactone is potassium – sparing diuretic drug. It helps to prevent your body from absorbing too much of salt and it also helps the body to maintain potassium level in your body. Spironolactone is also called as “water pills’ which helps the kidney to flush out water and salt in urine and retain potassium.
Too much of aldosterone in your body is diagnosed by this drug spironolactone. The salt and the water level in your body are maintained by this aldosterone which is produced by your adrenal gland. Aldactone acts as an anti-androgen. Due to the higher levels of androgen even women experience hair loss. This can be treated by using aldactone. It is also used to treat high blood pressure, cirrhosis, heart failure and potassium deficiency.
Spironolactone For Hair Loss
Since spironolactone acts as an anti-androgen it is used as an off-label to treat female – pattern hair loss. Spironolactone helps the adrenal gland and the ovaries to slow down the production of androgens and blocks the effects of androgens that are produced in it. It also blocks the dihydrotesterone in the form of testosterone which is the cause for hair loss on the top, front of the scalp and increase hair on the face and other body parts. Aldactone will not help you to grow new hair but helps to make thin hair thicker and fuller.
Precautions
It is always advisable to never take this drug without proper prescription of an experienced medical practitioner. Before taking this drug you must note the following
- Check whether you have high level of potassium in your blood
- Kidney disease
- You’re not able to urinate properly
- You are in use of eplerenone
- Adrenal gland disorder
- Liver disease
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Heart problems
If you have the above problems consult your doctor before using the drug. Take the spironolactone according to the doctor’s prescriptions. The drug can never be taken above or below the prescribed level and should never be used for long term. A medical practitioner would surely give these precautions while prescribing this drug. Follow the doctor prescription carefully.
It should be kept in the room temperature and keep away from moisture, heat and light. If you have missed the dose don’t take extra dose to compensate the missed dose. Spironolactone can be taken along with minoxidil which is a solution applied in the scalp for better results.
If you have hair loss in young age you can start spironolactone. It will restore the hormone balance and you can see your hair thickness has been improved and slowly you can stop the medication.
Spironolactone Has Some Side Effects
- Raise in potassium level
- Frequently urinating
- Irregular menstrual cycle
- Low blood pressure
- Drowsiness and restless
- Thirst
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Breast swelling
- Leg cramps
If any one of the effects seen immediately consult your doctor.
Always make sure never to take such drugs over the counter, remember hormones have more functions in your body hence self medication should never be tried.
Liked this article on Spironolactone As A Hair Loss Treatment and have something to say? Comment below and don’t forget to SHARE THIS ARTICLE!