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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July 23, 2008

Pros:

Nothing has cleared my skin like this has, ive been on it for a while now, well over a year, and although i do still get a couple pimples and cysts every now and then it is nothing compared to what i used to get.

Cons:

The only con i have noticed is the frequent peeing.

Definately worth the try, i get a lot of compliments on my skin and that is a miracle for me. I tired everything short of acutane, that was my next step if this did not work, but you have to give the med some time to work, just like most of the meds out there.
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July 16, 2008

Pros:

Got rid of my acne all over my face in one week. Oil production way down.

Cons:

It makes me pee a lot, so I only take it once a week now instead of every day. Works great like that.

I started getting cystic acne in my 30's, started this two years ago, am now 39 and continue to use it. I don't take the 50mg twice daily becuase I would pee every second, I dropped down to once per week, and it works great, keeps it all under control.
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July 13, 2008

Pros:

less oil, acne much better! one of the best meds i've used (have been on EVERYTHING prior, even accutane twice)

Cons:

dizziness due to lower BP, lower sex drive, when first increased my dosage had scary chest pain one night but hasn't happened since

WONDERFUL Rx but does have some side effects. had to stop BC pills due to melasma and bc it killed my sex drive. been on tazorac and finacea, numerous antibiotics, mino, oracea, accutance twice (worked great but caused clinical depression) etc. i've learned that every pill you take has SOME sort of side effect. if you have hormonal acne, spiro works incredibly well. my skin and hair are much less oily, and acne free 80% of the time. my skin still breaks out a bit right before my period though. my sex drive has dropped on spiro a bit though which is fine if you are younger but is a problem for me as i'm 27 and married. am only on 75 a day in the morning and prefer not to increase any more. thinking about dropping to 50g for two weeks then to 75g for the two week pre-period and during period in hopes to increase the sex drive. does any body do a similar dosage schedule? is it safe/ok to increase before your period and drop back down afterwards? thanks!
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July 9, 2008

Pros:

Cost, ease of use, minimal side effects

Cons:

pills must be taken daily, in my case twice a day which can be difficult to adjust to. also is a diuretic so you must drink a ton of water daily.

I think it is important to mention the reason why most people are prescribed aldactone/spironolactone, which is due to the overproduction of aldosterone (male testosterone hormone) in females, and causes a variety of symptoms including oily skin, acne, and weight gain. The reason it is only for women is because it blocks the aldosterone production, which in men would lead to feminization. Most women who are on this medication also have PCOS. It would not be effective or recommended for someone who has non-hormone based acne problems. I also never had acne in my teens, only in my early 20's to now at 30. I have been on spironolactone for about 3 weeks now and just a few days ago I noticed my skin was starting to become less oily and today I have not had to use any oil blotting sheets yet. My acne is starting to clear, although I am getting a few larger and more severe zits than I did before. It definitely worked for me, and I am so happy to have the possibility of clear ski
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June 23, 2008

Pros:

My skin seems to be less oily and it finally seems to be clearing.

Cons:

Developed a severe, cystic breakout on my cheeks and chin.

I've been fighting acne for about 8 years. I have tried almost everything under the sun, except Accutane. My dermatologist prescribed Spiro (100 mg daily) along with Minocycline(100 mg daily). I do hate taking so many pills (4 per day) though. I tried YAZ specifically for acne and ended up in the hospital intensive care unit for a week with a pulmonary (lung) blood clot. I'm 31, healthy, exercise regularly and don't smoke.. so be careful! Anyway, my face severely brok out with cystic acne about 4 weeks in. I wanted to quit and try Accutane by my dermatologist said to wait it out. My face is finally clearing. I just have 1 cyst left and scaring because I seem to get a scar with every pimple. I really hope this continues to clear my skin. I'm not sure how much more I can put my self esteem through. =( I'm assuming this is like many other medications where the acne is likely to get worse before it improves. =)
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June 19, 2008

Pros:

My skin is much clearer and I have less black heads. I've been taking Spironolactone for three months and it's amazing. I'm 36 years and suffers with acne for most of my life. I tried Accutane twice but couldn't handle the side effects.

Cons:

Frequent urination and breast tenderness.

It worth trying if you have exhausted all you options.
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June 17, 2008

Pros:

not sure havent started

Cons:

same

I have read all the amazing things about this and want to try it asap! i went to my derm who is making me go to a specailist to get tested for polycist ovarian syndrome (sp?) and see if the specialist will then prescribe it to me my question is do all of you that are using this have POCS? or is your derm prescribing it just for acne? i really want to get on this im so desperate for something to work just a little confused as to what it is exactly treating! my acne is def hormonal and this is the first time ive broken out or had bad acne and it hasnt gotten better in a year! im just starting yaz to see if that will help to. and i have some random hair growth :( gross i know! HELP!!!!!
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June 14, 2008

Pros:

Never bloated, less oily, fewer cysts closer to the 2 month mark

Cons:

Irreregular period 2nd month, terrible outbreaks the 4-6 weeks, terrible peeling

I have been on spiro for 8 weeks now and am also using Tazarac at night. The first month was terrible because of outbreaks. Everyday I felt something new was forming. But it's been 8 weeks and I'm not breaking out as much and am now on Tazarac and Benzaclin so I think the whole combination is definitely improving my skin and I do feel better about it. I do peel because of the Tazarac so I have to remember to moisturize and exfoliate to get rid of the dead skin. But this is also helping with the scars . I hope the results continue!
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June 13, 2008

Pros:

My skin is less oily, no new blackheads plus fewer cysts (the ones I have now are not as big and painful as before), water weight loss

Cons:

frequent bathroom trips (including middle of the night), leg cramps

I have only been on this for 2 weeks (100 mg 1x day) but am already starting to notice a difference in my skin. My doctor prescribed this along w/microgestin to clear up acne and excess facial hair caused by polycystic ovary syndrome so I am happy to see that others have noticed a reduction in hairiness. :-) I'm 39 and had acne as a teen that cleared up in my 20s and has gradually gotten worse again over the past year. It had gotten to the point where my jaw and chin were continually covered in raw painful, embarrassing cysts. My derm. told me that I might not see a significant improvement for the first two months but I am happy with the results after just 2 weeks. My skin isn't completely clear yet, but it's still early days and I'm glad to see that so many people have had great results with this medication.
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May 31, 2008

Pros:

I am 47 and most likely premenopausal.. My skin for the last 1yr has been extremely oily with an increase in break outs..my dermatologist Prescribed Spironaolactone and an Antibotic along with the best soap I have ever used " Linda Sy " the best

Cons:

It is yet another pill to take.

If it works I will stick with it. I am desperate seeking a miricale drug.
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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:

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