Spironolactone
Q. Are there any other topical medications that are effective as anti-androgens that may reverse or prevent MPB?
A. Yes. The two that are most effective are Spironolactone and Azelaic acid solutions.
Q. What is Spironolactone?
A. It is a medication that has been used for many years to treat hypertension and fluid retention. Its effect is local at blocking DHT and there are no systemic effects from its use on the scalp. Spironolactone is a potent anti-androgen. It competes with DHT for the receptor sites on the hair follicles.
Q. Are ther any side effects?
A. Spironolactone is metabolised in the skin and does not effect any other organ in the body. In about 1% of patients a rash can develope. If this happens the patient should stop using it.
Q. Why has Spironolactone not been used as a simple additive to Minoxidil Solutions?
A. There are many processing problems when S is mixed with M. They tend to react with each other and give off a very offensive odour !! Since this reaction takes many hours, it does not happen if Minoxidil and Spironolactone are applied to the scalp from different containers.
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