33244 Increased risk of hyperkalemia in older women taking spironolactone for female pattern hair loss

Abstract

Spironolactone is an effective medication for female pattern hair loss (FPHL). A previous study has demonstrated women ages 18-45 using spironolactone for acne treatment have a low risk (0.72%) for developing hyperkalemia. However, the risk for developing hyperkalemia among patients above the age of 65 with FPHL is unclear. Physiologic renal function begins to decline around the fifth decade of life, which may increase the risk of medication-related hyperkalemia in older patients. In this retrospective case series, we examined the incidence of hyperkalemia within the first year of spironolactone use in 53 women with FPHL.