I'll post here a message I wrote at alt.baldpot.
Hoping I'll get further information !
Hi,
I've been using topical spironolactone for 6 months and now I wonder if it can have
any systemic effects on me like decrease in sex drive and softer erections.
I'm also using finasteride, so of course, I should blame it first for the
symptoms I have ... but the point is I am experiencing those symptoms more
now than before spironolactone, although I have lowered my finasteride intake and
spent a few weeks off the drug now and then.
I have heard about the study stating that people rubbing 55% of their bodies
with spironolactone cream didn't show any systemic absorption of the drug. That
should be solid evidence. However :
* can absorption depend on the cream base used ?
* can systemic effects appear in the long course, when the drug is rubbed
everyday on the scalp, resulting in a very low but regular quantity of the
drug being absorbed every day ?
I am using Dr Lee's 5% cream and I'm happy with the results at my hairline.
Actually I only apply it there, but surprisingly enough, I have somewhat
denser hair far behind my hairline, which would account for measurable skin
diffusion ... if not systemic absorption.
As I'm only treating my hairline, I don't apply more than 10mg of spira a
day.
There's also what I read on the lipoxidil site :
" We now have encapsulated Spironolactone in sphingolipid liposomes to
improve skin penetration. The concentration was reduced to 2 % to avoid any
systemic side effects."
Is is true information that spironolactone cream CAN have systemic effects, or only a
selling argument for their delivery method ?
Thanks for any feedback.
Alain.