Uractonum® 25mg 30s

What is Spironolactone used for​​​?

Spironolactone is a diuretic (a “water pill”), which means it is a medication that removes fluid from your body through urination.

It can also be used off-label to treat the following in women:

• Hormonal acne
• Hair Loss (from scalp)
• Hirutism (excessive growth of dark and coarse hair in a male-like pattern - on your face, chest and back)

Spironolactone slows down your body’s production of androgen hormones, such as testosterone. These hormones can make the skin produce too much oil, which clogs pores and causes acne. These hormones are also the main culprit responsible for hair loss.

While androgen hormones promote masculine characteristics, everyone — even women — needs a certain amount of androgens for normal body functions. But lowering the hormones down from an excessive amount can help with acne and hair loss. 

How long does Spironolactone take to work?

Spironolactone takes a while to start working, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t see improvement right away.

For acne

Most people start to see less breakouts and oily skin within a few weeks, but your response to the medication may be different. Studies have also found that people tend to get more of a benefit from the medication the longer they take it.

For hair Loss

Most people need to take it for at least six months before they start seeing results. Others might not notice any benefits until they’ve taken it for at least a year.

Follow up with your doctor after taking Spironolactone for six months. Depending on your results, they might increase your dosage or prescribe a different medication to take with or instead of Spironolactone.

How effective is Spironolactone?

For acne

A retrospective study evaluating Spironolactone for the treatment of acne showed that 86% of patients' acne condition improved on Spironolactone therapy.

For hair loss

In a small study involving just four patients, a 200mg dose of Spironolactone administered daily reduced hair loss by up to 62.9%. 

Taking Spironolactone in conjunction with birth control pills may also be beneficial. Birth control helps with irregularities in your period while also improving acne and female pattern hair loss. Triple score!

Dosage of Spironolactone

For acne

To treat inflammatory acne in women, Spironolactone is prescribed at a dosage of 25mg to 200mg per day. If you’re prescribed Spironolactone to treat acne, your healthcare provider will usually suggest starting at a low dose, then gradually increasing your dose over time as required.

For hair loss

Because female pattern hair loss is an off-label indication for Spironolactone, there’s no precise, agreed-upon dosage. However, most healthcare providers prescribe spironolactone for hair loss at a dosage of 100mg to 200mg per day.

If you’re prescribed Spironolactone for hair loss, your doctor will usually instruct you to take your medication in a single dose, either in the morning or evening.

How to use​ Spironolactone?

• Follow the instructions on your medication label and take this medication as prescribed by your doctor. 
• You should take Spironolactone with or after food.
• Avoid taking it before bedtime since it can make you go to the bathroom.

What to do if I missed a dose?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

What are the possible side effects of Spironolactone?

Most people do well on spironolactone, but all medications can cause side effects.

The most common side effects of spironolactone are:

• Going to the bathroom a lot 
• Changes in your menstrual cycle 
• Breast tenderness 
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Lower sex drive (low libido)

Inform your healthcare professional if these side effects do not go away and become bothersome to you.

What precautions should I take?

Inform your healthcare professional if: 

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
• You have any kidney problems

What other medications and foods should I avoid when taking Spironolactone?

Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking or intend to take any other medication, supplements, traditional medications, or herbal remedies.

Handling and storage

• Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight.
• Keep this medication away from children.
• Throw away all expired medications. Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.

The above information answers some common questions about this medicine. It does not contain all the available information. It also does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

References

https://www.goodrx.com/spironolactone/spironolactone-for-acne-how-does-it-work

https://www.healthhub.sg/a-z/medications/289/Spironolactone

https://www.karger.com/Article/Fulltext/471799

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3769411