WTF? WHY ARE SO MANY GUYS HERE ON ORAL spironolactone
- Thread starter jond37jon
- Start date
stampede
Experienced Member
- Reaction score
- 1
I'm not one to shy away from fairly hardcore treatments, but oral spironolactone is a step too far.
Bald + tits = bad. Very bad.
Not that I don't wish those who choose to take it the very best of luck. I know there are many who will consider my regimen to be wreckless.
Bald + tits = bad. Very bad.
Not that I don't wish those who choose to take it the very best of luck. I know there are many who will consider my regimen to be wreckless.
paximperia
Established Member
- Reaction score
- 0
Yeah that's a really bad idea. This is why we have doctors prescribe prescription medicine, not internet retailers.
you guys act like in one pop of oral spironolactone your transformed into a chick. its prescribed for acne to men and women 1 year wont kill you; unless ofcourse your already fat and loosing your hair. doctors btw, from what ive read hear usually dont know jack about hairloss;making their prescriptions pointless) im positive more people expreriment with illegal drugs, yet fear a prescription drug. :dunno:
paximperia
Established Member
- Reaction score
- 0
"Due to its anti-androgen effect, it can also be used to treat hirsutism (excessive body hair growth in women), and is a common component in hormone therapy for male-to-female transsexual and transgendered people. It is also used for treating hair loss and acne in women and can be used as a topical medication for treatment of male hairloss."
No one prescribes spironolactone for high blood pressure anymore. There are many safer and more effective alternatives.
Also...
"Spironolactone has caused tumors in laboratory animals. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication for your condition."
Personally I don't think it's worth the risk, but it's all about the cost/benefit I suppose...
No one prescribes spironolactone for high blood pressure anymore. There are many safer and more effective alternatives.
Also...
"Spironolactone has caused tumors in laboratory animals. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication for your condition."
Personally I don't think it's worth the risk, but it's all about the cost/benefit I suppose...
BrainFog
Member
- Reaction score
- 1
you could have said you believe taking oral spironolactone is an idiotic plan of action or whatever. I wouldn't take any offense at that. You don't even know me . why do you assume that i didn't make an educated choice with spironolactone?. You can say all you want bout my choices in fighting hair loss but judging me as a person so easily is something i don't expect from a fellow hair loss sufferer .
Cassin
Senior Member
- Reaction score
- 78
Do not use spironolactone if you have kidney disease, urination problems, or high levels of potassium in your blood. Do not use potassium supplements or other diuretics while you are taking spironolactone.
Before using spironolactone, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, or if you use a steroid or another diuretic.
Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of spironolactone.
Avoid a diet high in salt. Too much salt will cause your body to retain water and can make spironolactone less effective.
Do not use salt substitutes or low-sodium milk products that contain potassium. These products could cause your potassium levels to get too high while you are taking spironolactone.
Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using spironolactone even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.
Before taking spironolactone
Do not use this medication if you have:
* kidney disease or are unable to urinate;
*
high potassium levels (hyperkalemia); or
*
if you are taking potassium supplements or other potassium-sparing diuretics such as Aldactazide, amiloride (Midamor, Moduretic), or triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide).
Before using spironolactone, tell your doctor if you have:
*
heart disease;
*
liver disease; or
*
if you are using a steroid, or another diuretic.
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use spironolactone, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category C. Spironolactone may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Spironolactone passes into breast milk and could cause harm to a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take spironolactone?
Take spironolactone exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
To be sure spironolactone is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
Spironolactone can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using spironolactone.
If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are taking spironolactone. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.
Store this medication at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Symptoms of a spironolactone overdose may include drowsiness, confusion, red skin rash, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
What should I avoid while taking spironolactone?
Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of spironolactone.
Avoid using other medicines that make you light-headed (such as cold medicine, pain medication, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety). They can add to the side effects of spironolactone.
Do not use salt substitutes or low-sodium milk products that contain potassium. These products could cause your potassium levels to get too high while you are taking spironolactone.
Avoid a diet high in salt. Too much salt will cause your body to retain water and can make this medication less effective.
This medication can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough.
Spironolactone side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
*
numbness or tingly feeling;
*
muscle pain or weakness;
*
slow, fast, or uneven heartbeat;
*
feeling drowsy, restless, or light-headed;
*
urinating less than usual or not at all;
*
shallow breathing;
*
tremors, confusion; or
*
nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Continue using spironolactone and talk with your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:
*
mild nausea or vomiting;
*
dizziness, headache;
*
gas, stomach pain; or
*
skin rash.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect spironolactone?
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:
*
lithium;
*
digoxin (Lanoxin);
*
steroids (prednisone and others);
*
an ACE inhibitor such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), ramipril (Altace), and others; or
*
indomethacin or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), diclofenac (Voltaren), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), piroxicam (Feldene), nabumetone (Relafen), etodolac (Lodine), and others.
If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use spironolactone, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.
There may be other drugs not listed that can affect spironolactone. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor
Before using spironolactone, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, or if you use a steroid or another diuretic.
Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of spironolactone.
Avoid a diet high in salt. Too much salt will cause your body to retain water and can make spironolactone less effective.
Do not use salt substitutes or low-sodium milk products that contain potassium. These products could cause your potassium levels to get too high while you are taking spironolactone.
Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using spironolactone even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.
Before taking spironolactone
Do not use this medication if you have:
* kidney disease or are unable to urinate;
*
high potassium levels (hyperkalemia); or
*
if you are taking potassium supplements or other potassium-sparing diuretics such as Aldactazide, amiloride (Midamor, Moduretic), or triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide).
Before using spironolactone, tell your doctor if you have:
*
heart disease;
*
liver disease; or
*
if you are using a steroid, or another diuretic.
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use spironolactone, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category C. Spironolactone may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Spironolactone passes into breast milk and could cause harm to a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take spironolactone?
Take spironolactone exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
To be sure spironolactone is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
Spironolactone can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using spironolactone.
If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are taking spironolactone. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.
Store this medication at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Symptoms of a spironolactone overdose may include drowsiness, confusion, red skin rash, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
What should I avoid while taking spironolactone?
Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of spironolactone.
Avoid using other medicines that make you light-headed (such as cold medicine, pain medication, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety). They can add to the side effects of spironolactone.
Do not use salt substitutes or low-sodium milk products that contain potassium. These products could cause your potassium levels to get too high while you are taking spironolactone.
Avoid a diet high in salt. Too much salt will cause your body to retain water and can make this medication less effective.
This medication can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough.
Spironolactone side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
*
numbness or tingly feeling;
*
muscle pain or weakness;
*
slow, fast, or uneven heartbeat;
*
feeling drowsy, restless, or light-headed;
*
urinating less than usual or not at all;
*
shallow breathing;
*
tremors, confusion; or
*
nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Continue using spironolactone and talk with your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:
*
mild nausea or vomiting;
*
dizziness, headache;
*
gas, stomach pain; or
*
skin rash.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect spironolactone?
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:
*
lithium;
*
digoxin (Lanoxin);
*
steroids (prednisone and others);
*
an ACE inhibitor such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), ramipril (Altace), and others; or
*
indomethacin or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), diclofenac (Voltaren), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), piroxicam (Feldene), nabumetone (Relafen), etodolac (Lodine), and others.
If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use spironolactone, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.
There may be other drugs not listed that can affect spironolactone. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor
Cassin
Senior Member
- Reaction score
- 78
Spironolactone is used to treat high blood pressure. It is also used to reduce fluid accumulation in the body caused by conditions such as heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, kidney disease, and the long-term use of some drugs.
Spironolactone reduces fluid accumulation by increasing the elimination of salt and water through the kidneys. It may be used in combination with other diuretics to prevent potassium loss. Since spironolactone blocks the effects of a chemical (aldosterone) released from the adrenal gland, it can also be used to diagnose and treat an overactive adrenal gland.
Spironolactone Facts
Brand names (manufacturers): Aldactone (Searle); spironolactone (various manufacturers)
Type of drug: Diuretic and antihypertensive
Ingredient: Spironolactone
Dosage form: Tablets (25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg)
Storage: Store at room temperature in a tightly closed, light-resistant container.
To learn more about the various types of blood pressure medications, visit our main Blood Pressure Medications page.
Treatment
To decrease stomach irritation from spironolactone, you can take spironolactone with a glass of milk or with a meal (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise). Try to take it at the same time every day. Avoid taking a dose after 6:00 in the evening; otherwise, you may have to get up during the night to urinate.
Spironolactone does not cure high blood pressure, but it will help to control the condition as long as you continue to take it.
If you miss a dose of spironolactone, take the missed dose as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose at all; just wait until the next scheduled dose. Do not double the next dose.
Side Effects
Minor: Cramping, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, increased urination, nausea, rash, restlessness, vomiting, or weakness. As your body adjusts to spironolactone, these side effects should disappear.
Dry mouth can be relieved by chewing sugarless gum or sucking on hard candy.
If spironolactone makes you feel dizzy or light-headed, sit or lie down for a while, get up slowly from a sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs.
To avoid dizziness or light-headedness when you stand, contract and relax the muscles of your legs for a few moments before rising. Do this by pushing one foot against the floor while raising the other foot slightly, alternating feet so that you are "pumping" your legs in a pedaling motion.
Major: Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about anxiety; clumsiness; confusion; deepening of the voice (in women); enlarged breasts (in both sexes); fever; impotence; increased hair growth; menstrual disturbances; muscle cramps; numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips; palpitations; postmenopausal bleeding; rapid weight gain (three to five pounds within a week); stomach cramps; uncoordinated movements; or unusual tiredness or weakness.
Interactions
Spironolactone may interact with several other medications as well as with certain food products:
* Concurrent use of spironolactone with amiloride, antihypertensive agents (such as benazepril, captopril, enalapril, fosinopril, lisinopril, quinapril, and ramipril) triamterene, potassium salts, low-salt milk, salt substitutes, or laxatives can cause serious side effects such as hyperkalemia (high blood levels of potassium).
* Spironolactone may increase the side effects of lithium, digoxin, digitoxin, and ammonium chloride.
* The effectiveness of oral anticoagulants (blood thinners) may be decreased by spironolactone.
* Concurrent use of aspirin may decrease the diuretic effects of spironolactone.
* Extreme drowsiness can occur when spironolactone is taken with other central nervous system depressants, such as alcohol, antihistamines, antidepressants, barbiturates, benzodiazepine tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, narcotics, pain medications, and sleeping medications.
Before starting to take spironolactone, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed above.
Warnings
* Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to any medications, especially to spironolactone or to any other diuretic.
* Tell your doctor if you have ever had kidney or urination problems, heart disease, hyperkalemia (high blood levels of potassium), liver disease, menstrual abnormalities, breast enlargement, or diabetes mellitus.
* Spironolactone can cause hyperkalemia. Signs of hyperkalemia include palpitations; confusion; numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips; anxiety; or unusual tiredness or weakness. However, do not alter your diet in an effort to avoid this problem unless your doctor tells you to do so. Elderly patients may be more susceptible to hyperkalemia.
* There are several generic brands of this drug. Consult your pharmacist about these items; some of them are not equivalent to the brand-name medications.
* Limit your intake of alcoholic beverages to prevent dizziness and light-headedness while taking spironolactone.
* Do not take any over-the-counter (nonprescription) medications for weight control or for allergy problems, asthma, cough, cold, or sinus problems unless you first get your doctor's approval.
* Spironolactone may cause extreme fatigue and dizziness. Your ability to perform tasks that require alertness, such as driving a car or operating potentially dangerous machinery, may be decreased. Take appropriate caution.
* To prevent severe water loss (dehydration) while taking spironolactone, check with your doctor if you have or develop any illness that causes severe or continuous nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
* Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Spironolactone crosses the placenta, and its safety in human pregnancy has not been established. Adverse effects have been observed in the fetuses of animals that were given large doses of this drug during pregnancy. Also tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.
Spironolactone reduces fluid accumulation by increasing the elimination of salt and water through the kidneys. It may be used in combination with other diuretics to prevent potassium loss. Since spironolactone blocks the effects of a chemical (aldosterone) released from the adrenal gland, it can also be used to diagnose and treat an overactive adrenal gland.
Spironolactone Facts
Brand names (manufacturers): Aldactone (Searle); spironolactone (various manufacturers)
Type of drug: Diuretic and antihypertensive
Ingredient: Spironolactone
Dosage form: Tablets (25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg)
Storage: Store at room temperature in a tightly closed, light-resistant container.
To learn more about the various types of blood pressure medications, visit our main Blood Pressure Medications page.
Treatment
To decrease stomach irritation from spironolactone, you can take spironolactone with a glass of milk or with a meal (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise). Try to take it at the same time every day. Avoid taking a dose after 6:00 in the evening; otherwise, you may have to get up during the night to urinate.
Spironolactone does not cure high blood pressure, but it will help to control the condition as long as you continue to take it.
If you miss a dose of spironolactone, take the missed dose as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose at all; just wait until the next scheduled dose. Do not double the next dose.
Side Effects
Minor: Cramping, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, increased urination, nausea, rash, restlessness, vomiting, or weakness. As your body adjusts to spironolactone, these side effects should disappear.
Dry mouth can be relieved by chewing sugarless gum or sucking on hard candy.
If spironolactone makes you feel dizzy or light-headed, sit or lie down for a while, get up slowly from a sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs.
To avoid dizziness or light-headedness when you stand, contract and relax the muscles of your legs for a few moments before rising. Do this by pushing one foot against the floor while raising the other foot slightly, alternating feet so that you are "pumping" your legs in a pedaling motion.
Major: Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about anxiety; clumsiness; confusion; deepening of the voice (in women); enlarged breasts (in both sexes); fever; impotence; increased hair growth; menstrual disturbances; muscle cramps; numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips; palpitations; postmenopausal bleeding; rapid weight gain (three to five pounds within a week); stomach cramps; uncoordinated movements; or unusual tiredness or weakness.
Interactions
Spironolactone may interact with several other medications as well as with certain food products:
* Concurrent use of spironolactone with amiloride, antihypertensive agents (such as benazepril, captopril, enalapril, fosinopril, lisinopril, quinapril, and ramipril) triamterene, potassium salts, low-salt milk, salt substitutes, or laxatives can cause serious side effects such as hyperkalemia (high blood levels of potassium).
* Spironolactone may increase the side effects of lithium, digoxin, digitoxin, and ammonium chloride.
* The effectiveness of oral anticoagulants (blood thinners) may be decreased by spironolactone.
* Concurrent use of aspirin may decrease the diuretic effects of spironolactone.
* Extreme drowsiness can occur when spironolactone is taken with other central nervous system depressants, such as alcohol, antihistamines, antidepressants, barbiturates, benzodiazepine tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, narcotics, pain medications, and sleeping medications.
Before starting to take spironolactone, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed above.
Warnings
* Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to any medications, especially to spironolactone or to any other diuretic.
* Tell your doctor if you have ever had kidney or urination problems, heart disease, hyperkalemia (high blood levels of potassium), liver disease, menstrual abnormalities, breast enlargement, or diabetes mellitus.
* Spironolactone can cause hyperkalemia. Signs of hyperkalemia include palpitations; confusion; numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips; anxiety; or unusual tiredness or weakness. However, do not alter your diet in an effort to avoid this problem unless your doctor tells you to do so. Elderly patients may be more susceptible to hyperkalemia.
* There are several generic brands of this drug. Consult your pharmacist about these items; some of them are not equivalent to the brand-name medications.
* Limit your intake of alcoholic beverages to prevent dizziness and light-headedness while taking spironolactone.
* Do not take any over-the-counter (nonprescription) medications for weight control or for allergy problems, asthma, cough, cold, or sinus problems unless you first get your doctor's approval.
* Spironolactone may cause extreme fatigue and dizziness. Your ability to perform tasks that require alertness, such as driving a car or operating potentially dangerous machinery, may be decreased. Take appropriate caution.
* To prevent severe water loss (dehydration) while taking spironolactone, check with your doctor if you have or develop any illness that causes severe or continuous nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
* Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Spironolactone crosses the placenta, and its safety in human pregnancy has not been established. Adverse effects have been observed in the fetuses of animals that were given large doses of this drug during pregnancy. Also tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.
BrainFog
Member
- Reaction score
- 1
i monitor potassium levels and liver enzymes . Doctor says I'm very healthy . i dunno how you have concluded that i'm that naive or uneducated on this subject. I guess that in your Frame of mind , everyone that reads this info on spironolactone would definitely decide against using it or he must be an idiot. thanks for the interest in my well-being . i would appreciate an apology. I was just voicing my opinion. i do believe that you are only trying to help . me and everyone that reads these posts on spironolactone.
Cassin
Senior Member
- Reaction score
- 78
BrainFog said:
Well don't hold your breath...
And yes I am trying to help.
Also, I find it hard to believe a doctor with any ethics would allow a patient to use Oral spironolactone for hair loss. Most of these guys have a hard time getting one to prescribe propecia and thats safe and proven for this cause.
Call me anything you like, I simply do not care. But taking Oral spironolactone for hair loss is idiotic, insane, reckless......on and on.
You may be the smartest man at everything else you do but when it comes to that, you are not. Thats my opinion and I believe in it 100%.