Antiandrogen
Reviews
4.1
1330 Reviews
Antiandrogen
Efficacy
68%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Antiandrogen
Side Effects
High
Antiandrogen
Acne.org’s Real World Take
“Spiro” has been shown to work in a real and noticeable way most of the time. However, messing with hormones is messing with hormones and it’s best to proceed with caution.
Antiandrogen
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist? Make an appointment to get this medication. Don't have a dermatologist? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find one.
Read All About Spironolactone
Compare To Other Treatments
5
51%
4
28%
3
10.1%
2
4.9%
1
6.1%

Used Spironolactone? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
February 1, 2008

Pros:

Don't know yet

Cons:

Don't know yet

I wanted to respond to people's questions about how it effects your birth control and pregnancy. Be very careful if you're trying not to get pregnant, make sure you're taking the pill on time every day and if you don't wear a condom. You also shouldn't take it when you're pregnant since it messes with your hormones. I actually no doctor in their right mind that would let you. I will post in a few weeks with how well it has worked for me, keep your fingers crossed!
June 21, 2012

Pros:

none

Cons:

keep breaking out. having more peroids. dizzy.

very unhappy. not sure if i havent been taking it long enough to see results. hear such good things about this drug. am i not patient enough? have tried so many other treatements.
May 11, 2011

Pros:

Too soon to tell

Cons:

Frequent urination, fatigue, muscle weakness

I *think* this may be clearing up my VERY oily skin and acne, but my main concern is my libido. I almost got divorced over my complete loss of all sexuality about 8 years ago, and finding a doc who would listen to me and allow me to take testosterone supplementation saved my marriage. I'm worried that now the Spironolactone will counteract that. My derm told me it only blocks the receptors in the facial area, but it seems that if the side effects are systemic the blocking would be too. Have anyone of you experienced a drop in libido or sexual dysfunction on this? I've only been on it a week, but I'm so afraid I'll have to trade clear skin for staying married... :(
January 31, 2009

Pros:

I take one prescription Tab 50mg once a day. In Jan 2006 I was started on two tabs daily, but my potsassium level rose to 5.0. I was told the maximum safe level is 5.1.

Cons:

I am a guy, aged 64. One year ago I developed a full beard for the first time in my life. My wife says my voice is lower now. In early 2006 I developed tenderness in my breasts which have now become a pair of female type breasts.

Plus side: I had dangerously low potassium levels. I'm OK now. I have to cut back on potassium rich foods. No bananas (my favorite). Negative side: I jiggle when I jog. I use an exercse bra at the gym. I dress and shower at home. I can't take my shirt off in public. I now know what females go thru when growing breasts. They may be "cute" but it hurts! They stopped growing several months ago. I think that were I to wear bras on a regular basis (which I don't)I would need a 40A to 40B. I am 6'4" and my formerly flat chest was 40 inches. Hmm. No, I've never tried to get milk from them nor do I pass myself off as female. I just avoid getting suntans in public.
May 2, 2008

Pros:

Not sure

Cons:

Still oily

I just started using Spironolactone 3 days ago. I am taking 50mg/day. I have really oily skin and I breakouts on my chin mostly. My face is still really oily. Does it take awhile for it to work? Maybe it is because I take the pill at night? That is what my doctor told me because I have another pill that I take in the morning (Oracea) along with benocline.Any thoughts?
November 12, 2007

Pros:

Ive only been on this for a few days now but it has seemed to calm my skin down somewhat already. For instance, less inflamation.

Cons:

I couldn't really list any cons at this point. I've really just started it but I do feel somewhat tired, which i read some others experienced as well.

I really hope this is the answer to my specific problem which is occasional cysts. Ive never (knock on wood) really had all over acne. Just the occasional cyst that pops up usually close to (mainly before) my period. Since im so hypersensitive about my skin these really, really bother me. I was even considering going on accutane although my situation is not as desperate as most who go on accutane. Its just that nothing really seems to work for these deep and hard cysts. I really hope this is the answer and i will update all of you who are also concerned with your own cystic acne.
March 6, 2013

Pros:

Not as dangerous as Accutane. No side effects.

Cons:

My daughter is 16 and has really red acne all over her face and right shoulder and back. We tried EVERYTHING topical, antibiotics, took a blood test to make sure liver, thryoid and hormones were ok. Nothing worked. She has been on Spiro for 4 weeks and shows no improvement. Hopefully she will soon. She is so depressed about it.

Don't know......
February 9, 2011

Pros:

Too early to tell

Cons:

I was having stomach pain when I was taking two at a time each day (50 mg) however I started taking one pill in the morning and one at night and I havent had the stomach pain since.

My doctor suggested this medication because I have very oily skin and cystic acne. I have been on it for about 3 weeks but I havent noticed any changes yet. My skin is still oily and I still have some cysts. Does anyone recall how long it took for this medication to work?
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]
October 17, 2006
I am 30 and have had "bad" skin since I was 15.I have been on the BCP for 15 years now and three moths ago I decide to take a break from them.Well"BAD" misteak.My face has been pimple zone for the last month. All I want to do is stay home and my self esteem has gone down the tubes!I went to see a great derm and he suggested I get a procedue done using levulan(sp)and light therapy.As well he prescribed me Yasmine and Spironolactone 100mg,and clindoxyl gel.For the last month I have been following his orders.Well I have seen no results.My face has these big under the surface pimples.I found this website and started reading to see if anyone has been going through the same.Anyhoo, =)Canada suggested using CLEARASIL ULTRA daily cleaner and CETAPHIL moisturizer.Today I see the results.I have started taking 200 mg of spironolactone every morning and in the evening wash with CLEARASIL, then CETAPHIL(wait for it to dry) and apply clindoxyl. I pray this is going to work.Thank-you =) Canada!!!

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.

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.