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Medication · Also: Aldactone

Spironolactone

A diuretic with anti-androgen effects sometimes used for hormonal acne and hirsutism.

A diuretic with anti-androgen effects sometimes used for hormonal acne and hirsutism.

Also known as: Aldactone

Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that also blocks androgen activity. Because of that anti-androgen effect, clinicians sometimes use it for hormonal acne, hirsutism, or female pattern hair loss.

These uses may be off-label, and it requires prescriber oversight, including attention to potassium levels.

Related terms

Hyperandrogenism

Elevated androgen activity in women, producing signs such as acne, excess hair, or scalp hair loss.

Hirsutism

Excess coarse, dark hair growth in women in a male-typical pattern.

Androgenic alopecia

Gradual hair thinning, in women often across the crown, influenced by androgens and genetics.

Off-label use

Prescribing an FDA-approved drug for a use, dose, or group not specified in its labeling.

Source

DailyMed: Spironolactone

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