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
1217
Read All About Spironolactone
Compare To Other Treatments
5
52.1%
4
28.4%
3
9.8%
2
4.6%
1
5.1%

Used Spironolactone? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
Sort by: Most Helpful
Order:
Number of Stars
Choose All That Apply
Clear All Filters
Done
March 21, 2012

Pros:

Works on cystic acne

Cons:

Have to drink a lot of water
Pee a lot

I started getting acne on my chin in my late 30:s Im now 43 and would still get painful cystic acne. I was put on every topical and antibiotic to no avail. Im on a low dose of 50 mg a day. It took awhile to work about 4 months be it did. I only get one pimple every now and then. t
This Was Helpful

7 user(s) found this helpful

Report
March 21, 2012

Pros:

- Smooth skin
- clears both topical and cystic ance
- smaller pores

Cons:

- none that I have noticed so far

I can't tell you enough how amazing this stuff is. My cystic acne was horrible... It was embarrassing. I've only been on this medication for 2.5 weeks and my face is almost completely clear. My face hasn't been this clear since I was 13. I'm also using Differen gel so that might be whats helping as well. Everyone responds differently to different products, but this works for me. If you haven't tried this, I would definitely say give it a shot.
This Was Helpful

9 user(s) found this helpful

Report
March 20, 2012

Pros:

worked wonders!
easy to remember to take (2x day)

I LOVE THIS
This Was Helpful

Report
March 20, 2012

Pros:

it works!
lose weight

Cons:

none

having some form of acne since I was 13 I randomly got severe cystic acne at the age of 27. My doctor put me on this as a last result before going on acutane. I could see results after 1 week! Not great results but enough for me to notice. Right after the 2 month mark all my acne went away. I am in the middle of my third month and I still get a very small pimple here and there but they go away in a couple days. The only thing I'm still battling are the red acne scars left behind. They are slowly fading but a little too slow for my liking so I am looking for something to speed of that process. I have no back/chest acne either. Sure you have to drink a lot of water and you pee a lot but water is good for you and it is a VERY small price to pay for the results.
This Was Helpful

10 user(s) found this helpful

Report
March 6, 2012

Pros:

Completely clears acne
actually clears chest acne and back acne as well!!
lose weight initially
no oily scalp anymore

Cons:

some talk about tumors in rats??
blood tests

I never write reviews atually this is prob my first one but I had to testify to the amazingness of spiro, this drug has changed my life, literally like others , have had acne since 6th gade and Im talking back chest face, it was horrible constantly hiding my skin, I tried every rx known to man and even 6 cycles of accutane, yes 6, and accutane does work...it just doesnt last much beyond when you stop taking it an of course is extremely dangerous.. anyhow, if I only would have known about this drug YEARS ago!! I have to say this is a miracle drug.. I hope it works for you!
This Was Helpful

19 user(s) found this helpful

Report
March 6, 2012

Pros:

I have NOT ONE pimple on my face...for the first time in 14 years!
Tiny pill

Cons:

Diuretic
Twice Daily

I never had any acne as a teen. I broke out during my first pregnancy, but it cleared after delivery. Broke out with baby #2 and face did not clear after delivery...he is almost 14 now. I am 40 years old and for the first time since my mid 20's I am not ashamed of my skin. I do use it in conjunction with Clindamycin (topical antibiotic). I have a slight increase in urination, but I have not noticed any other symptoms. I take my second pill with dinner vs. at bedtime to eliminate the need to use the restroom in the middle of the night. The prescription is FREE - 90 day supply via mail order through my insurance. I think it was $5 or $9 that first month at the pharmacy.
This Was Helpful

12 user(s) found this helpful

Report
March 2, 2012

Pros:

Clears acne
Less oily
Less facial hair
Weight loss

Cons:

None.

It works! Testosterone is the devil in women. It causes extra hair, dark and coarse, oil glands to over produce and cause acne ; as you get older, the skin pores get clogged because the dead skin cells don't easily exfoliate. Just try it, you'll know after a few weeks if it works.
This Was Helpful

12 user(s) found this helpful

Report
February 29, 2012

Pros:

-Cleared up acne
-Thin blonde hair is no longer greasy!
-Weight loss, loss of water weight/bloat
-Small easy pills
-Easy to adjust perfect dose

Cons:

-Having to be on a medication for 5+ years

I recommend this product to ANYONE suffering from acne! I personally have high levels of testosterone and break out around my mouth and jaw line. While taking spironolactone my skin clears up completely and I constantly get compliments on my skin (although i know i truth)! Another major problem for me is that my hair would get extremely oily and i would take 2 showers everyday. Since using the medication I now can even skip a day of washing my hair and it still looks great without any oil. TRY THIS PRODUCT. It's affordable and easy!!
This Was Helpful

24 user(s) found this helpful

Report
February 25, 2012

Pros:

completley cleared acne
slight weight loss?
NO side effects
helps me to sleep great at night (I take it at night)
lowers blood pressure
I have my confidence back in a way I haven't in 10 years

Cons:

potential dangers due to potassium sparing

I am writing this review because I read so so many of them over the years trying to find a solution. I appreciated the encouragement and honesty. I am 33 and have suffered from adult onset acne since about age 21. Primarily cysts on the jaw and neckline. Over the years also my cheeks and my chest as well. Blackheads on my nose that never go away. I am a picker, so this worsens everything. I have tried BP, salicylic acid, AHA, BHA, proactive, differin, minocycline, tetracycline, azythromycin (worked until I had a severe allergic reaction on day 5- anaphylactic internal hives),BCP: ortho tri cyclin, yasmin, dermologica skin care lines, skin ceuticals (which I do love and still use, but didn't clear acne), pore strips, a comedone extractor, vegan diet, skin diet, zinc supplements, B vitamins, fasting, juicing, probiotics, microdermabrasion...Nothing worked long term. After having a child 3 years ago I got pretty bad melasma in addition to the acne(that did not clear nor get worse during pregnancy or a year of breastfeeding). My derm wrote me a script for retin A .25. It took about 9 mo. to almost completley clear the melasma. I noticed improvment in my skin tone and texture from the retin A but not too much effect on the acne. I do love and highly recommend Retin- A, I am still using it, still at .25 at night with great results in clarity, tone, and texture. But alas no help with the acne. A little over a month ago I went in for my yearly check up and she prescribed me spironolactone. 50 mg once a day. I take it at night because I read the reviews about sleepiness.Within 5-7 days- COMPLETLEY cleared up my acne. I have had zero side effects and now on it for a full month. I must add that I was coming down with a cold /allergies the day I went to the derm. 2 1/2 weeks later it had not gone away and I went to my pcm- had a sinus infection. She put me on sulfamexthaxalone- an antibiotic for 10 days. I just finished that. My acne had cleared before I started the
This Was Helpful

20 user(s) found this helpful

Report
February 23, 2012

Pros:

Started working almost immediately I mean literally within 5 days of taking it!

Cons:

Your urine becomes dark yellow and you have to watch your potassium levels.

I had extremely bad acne all along my jaw line and neck area. The cysts on my neck were large swollen and hot to the touch very sore. I was very depressed my neck was unsightly to the point of me not going out of the house. My dermatologist recommended this for me after many failed attempts. I did not get my hopes up and actually did not expect it to work. I was amazed that literally within 5 days a once sore tender cyst acne filled neck and chin where clearing up I had red spots but not full cysts at the end of two weeks my neck and chin were totally clear I can not belive it. Very Very Happy
This Was Helpful

18 user(s) found this helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 18 19 20 21 22 … 62
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