Hi Dr.Rassman, what are your opinions regarding the safety and effectiveness of topical spironolactone? Is it a safe alternative to proprecia or does it pose harmful side effects?
It does work for the treatment of balding, but the side effects are significant and far more common than Propecia, including the scope of side effects.
Spironolactone causes an increased risk of bleeding from the stomach and duodenum, gynecomastia, and testicular atrophy (kills off the testicles or makes them smaller and less effective). Erectile dysfunction would be common and it can cause a serious rise in potassium in the body (hyperkalemia). The side effects and complications go on and on.
It should never be used to treat the benign condition of male pattern hair loss.
Are these side effects associated with oral spiralactone only or are thy also found with the use of topical spirolactone?
Been using topical spiro for a year – no sides.
Andrew, topical spironolactone is not an approved formulation – thus no adequate clinical studies have been conducted and the side effect profile is not known. That is why Dr Lee was properly “shut down”.Like any drug, whether toxic or not, some people will likely have no side effects and others will have side effects. The risk remains unknown because of lack of well designed, controlled studies.