Aldactone, containing the active ingredient Spironolactone in 25mg, 50mg and 100mg doses, is a medication that is primarily used to treat high blood pressure, otherwise known as hypertension. Treatment for hypertension using Aldactone is often started at a dose of 25mg, twice each day. Aldactone works as a diuretic, resulting in increased amounts of sodium and water being excreted from the body, while potassium is retained.
Because of its ability to retain potassium, Aldactone can heighten potassium concentrations in the body to dangerous levels. Aldactone should therefore, only be used under the supervision of a suitable medical professional.
Spironolactone, the active ingredient in Aldactone, has anti-androgenic affects and has been used in the treatment of hair loss in women. It is basically a weak inhibitor of the binding of androgens to their cellular receptors, and decreases the synthesis of testosterone.
Studies suggest that to prevent hair loss, at least 200mg of Spironolactone per day is needed. Unfortunately, this dose is high enough to elevate potassium levels and place the patient at risk of hyperkalemia and other side effects, including cramps and diarrhoea. For this reason, Spironolactone can only be used in smaller doses, and therefore as a hair loss solution, is best used in tandem with another product such as Rogaine or Propecia.