Spironolactone
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Spironolactone is a type of oral medication called an anti-androgen that is sometimes prescribed to females. Androgens are male hormones that are present...

Spironolactone is a type of oral medication called an anti-androgen that is sometimes prescribed to females. Androgens are male hormones that are present in both males and females that lead to more acne, and spironolactone helps reduce androgens.

It is usually taken once or twice a day, around the same time(s), preferably with a meal.

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4
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3
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2
4.6%
1
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December 30, 2007

Pros:

Clear skin, body hair is thinner on legs, arms, and face, less water weight

Cons:

My menstrual cramps were much worse, but I can't tell it that was the medication or just a bad month. I'll see in another two weeks.

I love this medication! Within three weeks of taking this, my skin started to clear up. I also use Ziana mixed with Duac for fading acne spots, and Cetaphil Daily Face Moisturizer. Once every two weeks, I use Plexion to reduce the oil production in my skin. This combination has almost completely eliminated my acne, and faded the dark spots on my skin (I'm African-American, and we get dark spots from acne scars). Before, I used the Duac mixed with Retin-A Micro pump, and it continually dried my skin out without reducing the acne. I'm so happy my doctor prescribed this medicine! Also, the women in my family tend to have thicker body hair (I had to shave my legs every day). After a month use, I noticed that my body hair is much much finer and thinner. What a bonus!
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December 29, 2007

Pros:

Skin is slightly less oily.

Cons:

Still getting some cystic acne on chin and upper lip...a little more than usual.Thinking of getting an antibiotic.

So far, I love it. I have very high hopes after reading so much on the topic and speaking with my Derm, who also happens to be my boss! (I am a Medical Esthetician)I have had cystic acne & oily skin since my teens, I am now in my late 30's. I have tried everything over the years except for Spirono. At this point, I'm taking 100mg/day and will be increased in a couple of mths to 150mg. I currently use Cetaphil to cleanse, Duac as a spot treatment in the day, and Tazorac in the evening. I have been getting Glycolic peels since the early 90's. I believe this has helped my skin stay even toned and young looking. Even after I have a breakout, the peel helps the blemish go away faster and keeps the skin tone even. I highly recommend peels to every one of my clients. Despite my battle with acne, I constantly get compliments on my skin! To Jenny, Sydney I would recomment having having a series of microdermabrasion treatments or laser treatments depending on the severity of the scarring.
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December 27, 2007

Pros:

Works wells, lose weight.

Cons:

anemia

I like this product alot, it works wells, I did not have the beginning outbreaks like most of you are talking about. This drug is an old hypertension drug, meaning it lowers your blood pressure, unfortunately I had low blood pressure in the first place, so if I don't eat iron rich foods, i.e. spinach, then I can get really dizzy sometimes. Drink plenty of water or tea to replace all the water and the sodium you are peeing out. Try to stay away from potassium rich foods, like bananas. This drug retains the potassium in the body, too much can be dangerous. Thanks!
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December 23, 2007

Pros:

Complete absence of cystic acne! Much improved skin texture, less oiliness all around, pore shrinkage.

Cons:

None to mention

After struggling with cystic acne for 10 or 12 years (Im 27), and trying every antibiotic (tetracycline, dioxicycline, minocycline, zithromycin), topical (Retin A, sulfa drugs, benzoyl peroxine, salicylic acid), gimmicky concoction known to man (jojoba oil, egg masks etc)I am now acne free! I even took Accutane with limited results. Now that is a scary drug! It cleared me up but it came back right away. It took about 1 or 2 months to see major progress and complete clearning in 6 months. I also changed dosages to the highest level. I am also on Yasmin to futher help with hormonal stability. I can't tell you enough how much I recommend this drug. I cannot think of a downside except for daily pill taking which is a SMALL price to pay.
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December 22, 2007

Pros:

i have noticed drier skin and my chin flakes now every day.

Cons:

Haven't noticed an improvement. I have been on it for 3 weeks and I'd say things have only gotten worse.

I am open to giving it more time, but after 3 weeks, I can say I don't feel it's working.
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December 17, 2007

Pros:

Works wonders!

Cons:

Constant spotting, took a few months to work, major breakout before it cleared.

I'm 35 and after years of trying every acne product on the market I was recommended Spiro (aldactone in Australia). I've now been on it for about 5 months and my skin is very clear. Took a few months to work and had a TERRIBLE breakout before it got better, but it definately does work. One question for the ladies out there though - I seem to have a very light period all month long. Is this normal? I'm also taking Yasmin but the period is not aligned with the Yasmin pills at all. Also, I have some scarring now from the initial breakout. Any recommendations on how to treat this? or should I just wait it out for my skin to renew itself? Thanks so much!
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December 7, 2007

Pros:

Helps a lot with oil

Cons:

had a tiny breakout when I first started, peeing a lot, taking it every day

I really liked this stuff. I liked not having to wash my hair all of the time. My oil was helped, but it didn't dry me out. I really didn't mind peeing all of the time since I felt like I was losing weight. I was also taking Yaz so I was taking 125mg of spiro all together.
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December 5, 2007

Pros:

I really have not seen results. I been on it for 2 wks .

Cons:

none

Im actually interested on everyone one else skin regimine. I, use Arnuad cleanser.Duac(ben perx) Evening I use Tazorac cream. Im 27 yr female and this is the year where it has really gooten worse. Depressed, angry.If anyone has advice...pleassse let me know. realtorbedoy@[link removed]
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December 3, 2007

Pros:

Very inexpensive, easy to use, no side effects for me, and excellent results after 4 months.

Cons:

It did take a long time to work. I experienced a pretty bad initial breakouts during the first 3 months. I took antibiotics during some of that time to ease the pain. Stopped antibiotics at the 4 month mark and have been clear ever since.

If you have tried everything else (as I have including 3 courses of Accutane over the past 20 years)and you are a "mature" woman still dealing with acne, try spiro. Just be patient and try not to get discouraged! For me it took a long time to work and my improvement did not happen in a linear fashion. But after 3-4 months, I could look back and easily recognize a vast overall improvement. Now I'm well into my 6th month and have not had any breakouts in two months.
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December 1, 2007

Pros:

Works!

Cons:

Took a few months to start working/irregular periods/diuretic/hard to find a doctor that will prescribe.

Only thing that has worked long term for me. Tried everything (homeopathic/retin-A/antibiotics/accutane etc.)-nothing worked except spiro (100mg/day). Now trying to get pregnant and need to go off of it-looking at the site for alternative treatments.
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Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
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