Spironolactone

Drug Class

Antiandrogen; diuretic, potassium-sparing

Trade Names

Aldactone®
Spironolactone 25, 50 and 100mg Aldactone®

Dosage Forms

Normally used at doses of 100 to 200mg daily

Spironolactone may be used in the treatment of androgen dependant disorders of the skin. To date there are no dermatologically specific FDA approved indications for spironolactone. Spironolactone is thought to have an antiandrogenic effect. However, this mechanism is not fully elucidated.

Drug Safety Information

• Use with caution in patients with renal or hepatic function impairment, as they may be more prone to electrolyte imbalances
• Breast carcinoma has been reported in men and women on spironolactone. However, a direct causal relationship has not been established.

Adverse Effects

Cutaneous effects may include increased sensitivity to sunlight.

Antiandrogenic effects may include breast tenderness, menstrual dysfunction, gynecomastia, and impotence.

Gastrointestinal effects may include nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps.

Neurological effects may include clumsiness and headache.

FDA Pregnancy Category

Spironolactone may cross the placenta. However, problems in humans have not been documented. Active metabolites of spironolactone are distributed into the breast milk.

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.

Back to:  Hirsutism Treatment - Hormone Blockers