Spironolactone
Results
Side Effects

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.

 [more]
4.2
1218
Read All About Spironolactone
Compare To Other Treatments
5
52.1%
4
28.5%
3
9.8%
2
4.6%
1
5.1%

Used Spironolactone? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
Sort by: Most Helpful
Order:
October 1, 2007

Pros:

THE ONLY THING THAT HAS EVER WORKED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cons:

occasional headaches, heavy menstrual cycle

I suffered with jaw line acne from late teens to mid 30's I tried alot of medications with no results. I met Dr. Lamberg and he was the first to explain that I suffered from hormonal acne and he prescribed spironolactone. I used it in various mg's per my doctor for several years and at age 42 I am acne free I do not get break outs anymore and I have stopped using it.
This Was Helpful

8 user(s) found this helpful

Report
September 26, 2007

Pros:

* Affordable (with insurance)
* I've experienced relatively few side-effects.
* Helps with hirsutism (excess hair growth) and scalp hair loss in women.

Cons:

* Sometimes I feel easily fatigued and weaker than usual.
* Potential for birth defects in a male fetus should pregnancy occur.
* Drug interactions and need to monitor potassium intake.

Although I don't take spiro for acne, I stumbled open this website and thought I'd share my experience for those who do suffer with skin issues. I get the occasional hormone induced breakout, usually on the cheek or forehead. My skin is extremely oily though and has been since before puberty. I've been on spiro for 16 days and have yet to experience any new breakouts. After examining my skin this morning, I realized it looked dryer than normal, even flaky in some parts. We've had temperatures in the 70s and 80s here with high humidity so I can't even attribute this difference to a change in weather. My skin looks clearer over all and I tend to scar easily from breakouts, yet those areas seem to be fading fairly quickly. I'm just amazed in the improvements to my skin in such a short amount of time. I think it also may be worth noting that I also get occasional breakouts on my upper arms, which have not resurfaced in the past two weeks.
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
September 26, 2007

Pros:

So far so good. I'm hoping it helps me lose weight in addition to managing my acne. Hey, every little bit helps.

Cons:

Whiteheads by the bunch within a few days of taking first dose. After one week, these are slowing down.

Excellent so far. Quick results. I had several deep acne spots. They cleared up almost overnight - no kidding. Very impressive. I take oracea and use topical creams (finecea and metrogel) too just in case. Probably going to try to use less of the topical creams as time goes on. Very pleased after one week. I will post again after one month.
This Was Helpful

4 user(s) found this helpful

Report
September 21, 2007

Pros:

affordable, few side affects, it works!

Cons:

none

I had severe acne all over my face and body in my early teens and i took accutane to clear all of it. It worked great but i began to break out again after a year. I requested spironolactone from my dermatologist and it worked just as well as the accutane and after taking it my acne completely cleared up its awesome ide recommed it to everyone with acne.!
This Was Helpful

Report
September 17, 2007

Pros:

43 years old have less oil n brake outs now, I have been on it. I can now were makeup all day long, pimples come up smaller and go away much quicker.

Cons:

It takes two weeks to kick in it will make you break out alot (just small zits one day things) then it will clear up quickly. I think all the fast small break outs happen in order to get deep Acme out to clear up at last. Hang in.

I have read all the reviews in this med. I am in th 40's tried everything fro over 20 years and it has cost me alot. Acme runs wild in my family we all suffer esp the girls. This works great just too bad I did not have it sooner. Try it and hang in it will work at ANY AGE. I so glad for it. esp if you have cystic Acme... Thank GOD I am clear...
This Was Helpful

9 user(s) found this helpful

Report
September 6, 2007

Pros:

I just started using it 3 days ago and already see results! I tried 4-5 different abx's--nothing worked. I was skeptical about using this at first. I'm glad I filled the prescription.

Cons:

frequent trips to the BR, dizziness if I get up fast

If the first three days are any indication, I will be tickled pink when my skin finally clears. I never had a lot of breakouts but when I did, they were nasty. This has helped tremendously
This Was Helpful

Report
September 1, 2007

Pros:

Easy to take, virtually no side effects, except a lot of going to the toilet - it's a diuretic, after all! And, most importantly, it WORKS!

Cons:

A lot of toilet trips and slightly irregular periods

I have tried several different antibiotics, laser and topical treatments to help control my acne. This is the best and most affordable treatment I have used and the few side effects are not serious or mood related. It takes 1-3 months to start working. Also, don't be disheartened if your skin initially is worse - this happened to me, but it soon improved dramatically. I advise taking a heavier dose in the lead up to your period. (perhaps 200 mg a day). So pleased with the results!!!! Renewed my self-confidence.
This Was Helpful

7 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 31, 2007

Pros:

IT WORKS....it's the onlything (other than accutane) that has worked on my skin.

Cons:

Felt very tired the first couple of weeks.

After trying all kinds of medications, a dermatologist finally prescribed this to me after I refused to take Accutane for the second time. It worked within the first month. I took it for a few months then couldn't afford to go back to that Dermatologist because he didn't take insurance. I recently went to my regular doctor and asked him if he would prescribe Spiro to me if I felt I needed it again and he agreed...he didn't seem to have a problem with it. I recently started to break out again and have an appointment to start back on in a few days since I am breaking out again after not taking it for about 2 months.
This Was Helpful

2 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 31, 2007

Pros:

Very cheap and easy to take

i've been using now for about 2 wks. I feel as if I have gotten worse. I have lots of little whiteheads that I didn't used to have before. I keep hoping it must get worse before it gets better. Will keep trying.
This Was Helpful

7 user(s) found this helpful

Report
August 28, 2007

Pros:

Face looks much clearer than it did six weeks ago.

Cons:

none. Just takes awhile to work.

After trying everything it seems like, even laser treatments and chemical peels, it seems like I'm finally getting my acne under control. Earlier this year I got extremely stressed out from school and something I was going through and it created me hormones to go way out of wack. In turn, it made my face start breaking out horribly! I had never had this big of a problem until now. My doctor put me on 100mg once a day and its been about 3 1/2 weeks so far. I am seeing improvement and am excited to see it get even better in the next several weeks. I'm taking Yaz right now also and I'm about to switch because my estrogen levels were low, so hopefully that will help even more! If you are struggling with hormonal acne, please listen and try this stuff. This is the first medication that I have seen definate results from! Good luck!
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 108 109 110 111 112 … 117
Next

Relevant Article(s):

Relevant Forum(s):

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.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.
Find a Doctor Using The American Acacemy of Dermatology Website

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website