How to get spironolactone online?

Table of Content:
Do you need a prescription for spironolactone? | Can you get spironolactone online? | Can you get it over the counter? | Where to get a prescription online? | Is there an alternative medication? | What is spironolactone? | Side-effects | Drug interactions | Who can take it? | Who should not take it?

In this article, we will explain how you can get spironolactone for hormonal acne or hair loss, the recommended dose, if it requires a doctor’s prescription, and the necessary steps you should take to get it.

Understanding the benefits, side effects, and mechanism of action of this and other androgen blocker medications can help you and your online dermatologist make a more informed decision about your treatment options.

Do you need a prescription for spironolactone?

Yes. Oral and topical spironolactone are available only with a doctor’s prescription.

Can you get spironolactone online?

The short answer is yes, but you need a prescription from a healthcare professional. 

Can you get spironolactone over the counter (OTC)?

No, spironolactone can only be purchased with a prescription and should only be used under medical supervision as the oral version  has multiple drug interactions and may cause some uncommon but serious side-effects that should be monitored. 

Where to get a spironolactone prescription online?

You can request a prescription for spironolactone (oral or topical) for acne, hair loss or excessive hair growth by having a photo consultation with an virtual dermatology provider. This only costs $59 and you will get an answer (and your prescription if medically adequate for you) in 1-2 working days.

Where to buy spironolactone online?

Oral spironolactone (Aldactone) is widely available on online and physical pharmacies.

Topical spironolactone on the other hand may be a little bit trickier to get since it is not a medication that is approved by the FDA and it is only used off-label for the treatment of hormonal acne and alopecia. Therefore, traditional pharmacies do not sell it, you can only buy it at compounding pharmacies (specialized pharmacies that make customized medicines).

Is there an alternative medication to topical spironolactone that is widely available in pharmacies?

Yes, there is a cream called Winlevi^®  that is approved by the FDA for the treatment of acne and it is widely available in pharmacies.

What is spironolactone?

Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic (water pill). This means that it helps your body from absorbing too much salt and keeps your potassium levels from getting too low¹.  Spironolactone comes in an oral and topical version. 

Oral Spironolactone is FDA approved for the treatment of high blood pressure and heart failure². However oral and topical spironolactone are also prescribed to women by dermatologists for the treatment of hormonal acne³ and hair loss^4.

Side effects of spironolactone

Common side effects of topical spironolactone are often very mild and they include skin redness, itching, burning, peeling, and sensitivity⁵.

Mild side effects of oral spironolactone

• Breast tenderness
• Changes in sex drive 
• Headache and dizziness
• Irregular menstrual cycles or spotting
• Unexpected breast tissue growth
• More frequent urination⁶

Serious side effects of oral spironolactone

• Allergic reactions (skin rashes, hives, itching) 
• Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, increased thirst, dark yellow or brown urine, decrease in the amount of urine)
• Muscle weakness
• Fast or irregular heartbeat 
• Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet 
• Low blood pressure 
• Low sodium level (fatigue, weakness, confusion)⁷

Spironolactone drug interactions

There are more than 100 medications that should not be taken together with spironolactone, that is why you must tell your online dermatologist if you are taking any medicines or supplements before getting a prescription for spironolactone.

Some of the most commonly medications should not be taken  together with spironolactone are:

• Cidofovir
• Eplerenone
• Tranylcypromine
• Aspirin
• Ibuprofen
• Naproxen
• Other medications for blood pressure or heart disease
• Medicines for blood clots
• Other diuretics
• Potassium supplements
• Cortisone 
• Muscle relaxants
• Cold/cough medicine⁸

Who can take spironolactone?

For acne and hair loss it is usually prescribed for adult women who are not pregnant or nursing. 

Who should not take spironolactone?

Men should seek an alternative treatment for acne (such as oral antibiotics or topical prescription treatments) or hair loss (such as minoxidil, finasteride or dutasteride).

Spironolactone cannot be taken by women who want to become pregnant, are pregnant or nursing as it has teratogenic effects and may harm the fetus⁹. 

Spironolactone dosage for hair loss

The spironolactone dose for hair loss patients may vary from 25 to 200 mg per day while most physicians usually prescribe between 80 to 110 mg.

Can you take oral and topical spironolactone at the same time?

Yes, women can use oral and topical spironolactone at the same time.

Article References:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/spironolactone-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20071534?p=1#
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554421/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34250269/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10010138/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8483163/
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/19755-spironolactone-tablets
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/derm-treat/hormonal-therapy