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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Lucas G.6

September 27, 2009

Pros:

Cleared up my painful cystic acne.

Cons:

It made me dizzy and light headed at first. The warning paper said, "This medicine has been shown to cause tumors in lab mice."

It really helped me out a lot and I'm grateful because I was feeling really down before this started helping me. I would say give it a try and see how it works for you.

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Marie

September 22, 2009

Pros:

After 3 weeks, it is working already.

Cons:

Breakthrough bleeding even though on BC, stomach ache.

I have had mild acne since I was 12....nothing that couldn't be dealt with. In my late twenties and early thirties, I began to break out with cystic acne and developed oily, hairy skin. I went off all dairy products and that helped tremendously. This last year, however (I am 37), I began to become hairier and developed even oilier skin and was constantly breaking out on my neck, chest, nose, chin and forehead. Some were large cysts that required a dermatologist to get rid of them. Even though my testosterone and DHEA levels appeared 'normal', my gynocologist decided to put me on Ortho-Cyclen (monophasic BC) and 50mg Spiro. Apparently, I have what is known as 'testosterone or androgen sensitive skin'. While my skin is not 100% (I have only been on this product for 3 weeks), the oil has subsided, my chest, neck and forehead are clear and my chin and nose are substantially clearer. I must be a hormonally sensitive woman!

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SHannon

September 19, 2009

Pros:

Less oil, cleaner face, no longer suffer with the cystic type acne.

Cons:

Very hard on your stomach, blood tests required

I have been on spiro 100 mg a day for 10 months. It does help more then any other medication I have used, however it does come with some negative side effects as well. I have stomach issues now because of spiro, I have to take prilosect 2 times a day since taking it because of acid reflux. It is important to take it with a full meal. Also my potassium levels have been creeping up, still in the safe zone though. It is very important to get the blood test done to check for this or you can do permanent damage to your heart. Also of course if cancer runs in your family there is a warning on this drug that high concentrations has be known to cause cancer in rats. I personally will go no higher then the 100 mgs. As far as my acne goes I am very pleased with how manageable my face is now, I use to get very large filled cysts that scarred my face, now I get maybe one very small pimple not cyst a week. My face still gets alittle oiler then I would like but it is much better then before.

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Liam Gonzalez3

September 10, 2009

Pros:

Now skin less oily, less pimples/blackheads, hair doesn't seem to get as greasy

Cons:

Pill has a weird "minty" smell/taste. I usually put the liquid beverage in my mouth before putting the pill in my mouth.

Ive tried lots of different acne medications, gels and creams. Some have worked okay, but I still seemed to get oily and zits. Before, my face was REALLY oily and I was constantly blotting it. My dermatologist put me on 100mg a day of Spiro as a last resort and now my face stays smooth and doesn't feel sticky like it used to! I have also seen a big decrease in my acne. I have been on it for 3 months. I personally haven't had any bad side effects except for an increase in urination, which is however expected, since Spiro is a diuretic.

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Bummed

September 3, 2009

Pros:

Side effects are not too bad; appears to work for many people!; cheap

Cons:

stomach/bowel upset; thirst; leg cramps.

I tried this for 8 months. I began at 50 and soon increased to 100 then 150. I took yasmin as well. I did not work for me, but it did improve my dandruff, body hair etc, and worked slightly on my skin. I am not clear though. I am very disappointed since all the enthusiasm surrounding this drug for acne in adult women (I am 23) made me really feel like it was going to. I am going to try accutane and potentially, a few months after my course, go on spiro again to try and prevent a relapse. Sorely disappointed me but it may very well work for you.

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Andrea

August 19, 2009

Pros:

treats hormonal acne and leg edema

Cons:

TBD

Just started Spiro yesterday @ 25 mg twice daily (morning and lunch time). I have hormonal leg edema and acne - I had to plead with my derm to give this to me, but he finally gave in. Hope to see wonderful results as those listed here.

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katiefighter90

August 16, 2009

Pros:

It works for me. Skin is smooth, acne free, and less oily.

Cons:

Stomach upset (taking it with a little toast helps me), dizziness and fatigue (lessened with time), more frequent stops at the restroom.

I had an unusual jump in testosterone that left my perfect skin a mess. At its worst, I had eighty-three large cysts on my face and jawline. After two months on the medication I have one. In combination, I use bactrim 50mg and Retin-A micro gel .01%. I take 50mg of spironolac. This is the exact regimine that my dermatologist has me on and it works great for me: Morning: wash face with Head and Shoulders regular shampoo, moisurize as needed with Canola oil (yes, the kind in the baking isle) Cosmetics are strictly Bare Minerals, no substitutes. I take 50mg spironolac on empty stomach. Evening:I wash with Head and Shoulders (also use for daily shampoo/conditioner so that hair oils don't get on my face), .5 gram of Retin-A micro, 50mg Bactrim. Moisture as needed. A note on Retin-A: This is the most costly part of my routine, but its an amazing product. I've used it since I was thirteen and have no wrinkles, freckles, visable pores, or other typical aging signs for som

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Lala

August 12, 2009

Pros:

Weight loss, Skin seems like it's getting better slowly but surely, Pepperminty tasting pills

Cons:

Frequent urination, Makes me tired

I started using this a little over a month ago and now am up to 100 mgs a day. The pills taste like mints. I'm stilll dealing with acne problems but I have faith that this will work for me. I take these at the same time every day as directed. *Note try to take these before 6pm so you're not up all night running to bathroom.

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Tina

August 2, 2009

Pros:

My acne is gone and a have great skin. Most people guess me to be 29, while I'm 37. Very happy with the result.

Cons:

I think it lowered my blood pressure slightly. After 8 months, I have developed eustachian tube dysfunction (keep hearing myself). I stopped it for now and the issue with my ears went away in 2 days after stopping the medication.

Supposedly, after a long term usage (1 year on 100 mg), eustachian tube disfunction can be a long term side-effect. In the end, it was totally worth it! I'm not on it for now, if I'll start developing acne, I'll try lower dosage. While on it, you cannot get pregnant. To get pregnant, you need to be 6 months off this medication.

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rachel s

September 3, 2024

Hello, I realize this is an older comment but when I googled these symptoms this came up. Did your ETD ever go away and stay away? What were your symptoms? I’m trying to see if I can link my use of spiro (almost a year now) with my ear fullness/ clicking or if it’s something else. Did you ever see an ENT?

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jaya jaya

August 1, 2009

Pros:

Better all round health, skin clearing

Cons:

None so far

I wrote a week ago about how great this makes me feel,just after a few days,well, I feel even better! The dark circles are disappearing from under my eyes, I'm capable of about twice as much activity as I was before, (despite catching a slight cold!). My bones have shifted and done a weird " snap crackle & pop" thing, and I'm now standing much straighter, I feel I must've been twisted like a corkscrew. My bad knee has gone from swollen and inflamed, with that nice crunchy sound while it bends, to almost normal. It now bears my weight. Yii-haaw !!! I've had no ill effects and this is pretty good seeing as I really didn't think that this would work for me. I have a history with most meds of having all the bad effects, and few of the good ones. Not this time! I'm amazed at how too much aldosterone has evidently had all these bad effects on my health, and how just this pill has made a huge difference. My allergies and intolerances have reduced by lots. I'll post again. in a week.

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