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

Used Spironolactone? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars

Dani

September 27, 2011

Pros:

-is a great option for women
-clears skin quickly
-helps with other hyper-androgenic issues (facial hair (gets rid of it), head hair loss (help your hair grow back), oily skin, body hair (reduces body hair growth)
-works long term
-

Cons:

-dry mouth/chronic thirst
-having to have potassium levels checked every 3 months
-having to take an oral birthcontrol at the same time (you cannot get pregnant while on Spirnolactone/Aldactone)

I've tried every prescription for my skin in the 20+ years that i've dealt with hormonal acne which causes cysts and chronic break outs. Though I had always been told my skin would improve with age - it hasn't and has only gotten worse. Oilier, more prone to cystic acne. This drug is only for use in Women. In men it reduces the production of testosterone, which would cause them to become feminized (grow breasts, lose their sex drive) I also began experiencing severe hair loss 2 years ago. It was initially attributed to having just given birth to my daughter, but the shedding never stopped and finally, I went an saw my dermatologist. I had good success on Accutane many years ago, but unfortunately had to go off when I wanted to conceive. The dryness associated with Accutane was also a problem. I was forever flaking and my hair and nails became very brittle. This go-around, she recommended the Spirnolactone to help with the hairloss as well as with the acne. I started with 25mg 1x a day - and then after 1 week went up to 50mg 1x a day, up to 100mg 1x a day in the mornings. Within 3 days of being on the 50mg dose, my skin was no longer oily (I was having to wash my hair daily because it was so greasy) and my existing breakouts were clearing quickly. I am thirsty though. Very thirsty - which just forces me to drink more water- which is beneficial for my health anyway. I am also on Marvelon as a birthcontrol method which is helping my skin in conjunction. I've lost about 5lbs from all of the peeing i've been doing - my derm explained that the Spirnolactone's diuretic effect counteracts the water retention properties of hormonal birthcontrol - so you don't need to worry about weight gain. I am really happy I went on this med and if my daughter's ever have acne like this, I will not hesitate to have them take it.

This Was Helpful

20 user(s) found this helpful

Report

AKPK

September 27, 2011

Pros:

None

Cons:

Very dry skin.
Weight gain.
Dehydration.
No improvement in acne.

This medication caused me to be thristy all the time, I could not drink enough water, and I had to urinate every 30 - 40 minutes. gained 10 pounds, with no change in diet or exercise. This medication did not help my acne at all.

This Was Helpful

Report

Katya73

September 12, 2011

Pros:

Very effective for oiliness/acne

Cons:

Had severe gastritis (stomach gnawing) for years from this - took 6 months to go away.

I'm writing this because it may help someone else out there. Sprionolactone took several months to work for me, but dramatically decreased my breakouts/oiliness. After taking it for about 2 years, I started to have gnawing pain in my stomach. I went to 4 different GI doctors over a 2 1/2 year period who insisted that it couldn't be this medication causing it. They tried many different medications (which never helped AT ALL), ran countless tests (ooh - even a colonoscopy - not fun!), took my gallbladder out and gave up on me. My pain was so severe that I didn't think I could continue to live like this the rest of my life (I'm 37). I stopped taking this drug on my own and now, after 6 months, the pain is 100% gone. Nothing else has changed. I actually recommend this drug because not everyone will react the way that I did, but if anyone starts having stomach issues, please suspect this drug as the culprit right away. I hope this will save someone the years of suffering that I went through.

This Was Helpful

37 user(s) found this helpful

Report

Sarah from Ca

September 10, 2011

Pros:

This product has cleared my acne in conjunction with 2 topicals... need I say more.

Cons:

Pee more frequently
Potassium checks every 3-5 months

This product worked wonders for my hormonal acne (chin and jaw line). The doctor knew the minute he saw my face I had adult hormonal acne. I originally took 50mg then was increased to 100mg, which is why they had to begin testing my potassium. It took 3-4 months and slowly but surely worked. I did use it in conjunction with Ziana at night and Clyndamycin during the day. I was also given two chemical peels in the beginning, which my insurance covered (yours might too!). This type of treatment will only work for specific types of acne but I had to share my results for those of you that have hormonal acne. I strongly encourage you to try it! Be patient and take it EXACTLY as recommended. That is the key to any treatment.

This Was Helpful

18 user(s) found this helpful

Report

Lizzy

September 8, 2011

Pros:

-totally got rid of my cystic hormonal acne within the first week
-makes my skin less oily
-reduces hair growth, as it's an androgen blocker
-reduces bloating as it's also a dieuretic
-cheap as h e l l with insurance

Cons:

-minor breakout within the first week, primarily whiteheads and nothing that isn't easily dealt with
-HORRIBLE aches, pains and nausea the very first day I took it; after that initial night though I was fine
-makes you have to pee a bit more frequently
-can't take anti inflammatories or eat high amounts of potassium

I got on Spiro after my derm got tired of seeing me twice a month for cortisone injections into these massive, seemingly endless cysts that would pop up around my lip and jawlines regardless of my cycle. What would happen is that I'd get small white heads that, within a week, would turn into big monstrous creatures that wouldn't pop. Those whiteheads totally disappeared within the first week of using Spiro, and in turn so did the cysts! The general state of my skin's improved within the two weeks I've been on it too - I'd get lots of random innocuous little bumps on the lower half of my face that would just annoy me whenever I felt how uneven my skin is, and those are gone. I'm also a ridiculously hairy mofo and the androgen blocking abilities that Spiro has is very slowly thinning my facial hair growth (thank the lord) Spiro's great, despite all of the silly things you can't do (eat tons of bananas or take Aspirin), I'm so glad I found it.

This Was Helpful

24 user(s) found this helpful

Report

hat80

September 8, 2011

Pros:

- Cleared up cystic acne!!!
- Small, easy to take pill
- Inexpensive with insurance
- No side effects (so far)

Cons:

None yet...

I've had mild to moderate acne since I was a teen. I began birth control and ProActiv in my early 20s and stop doing both when I turned 30. Within the past year (I'm now 31), my acne got consistently worse - especially with cystic acne, the scars from which would not fade for months. I tried every OTC treatment/cleanser you can imagine to no avail. After reading about Spironolactone, I thought it was exactly what I needed. My dermatologist said Spiro was her "last resort" so she prescribed Doxycycline and Differin. My gynecologist prescribed Spiro and Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo (which I decided not to take). So here's my routine: - AM: take Doxy and 50mg of Spiro, wash with Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser for Sensitive Skin, apply Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer, and I use Mary Kay TimeWise Matte Foundation (great make-up!! I'm always nervous to try new make-up but this is oil-free and works wonderfully!!) - PM: take Doxy and 50mg of Spiro, wash with Neutrogena, use ProActiv toner, apply Differin, and use ProActiv Refining Mask for spot treatment (clears up any small blemishes overnight!) I'm so incredibly happy to say that after 5 weeks of this routine, I am about 95% clear!!! Before this routine, I had about 5 large cystic spots that would just not heal. Slowly, my face began clearing and I haven't had one cyst or large pimple since. The extremely small ones I do get seem to clear very quickly. I know my results may not be typical and it may take several weeks longer for others to see results but my advice is to at least try it if advised by your doctor. It can change your life...it's amazing how your skin can affect the way you live it :) Good luck!

This Was Helpful

11 user(s) found this helpful

Report

Nicola

September 5, 2011

Pros:

Completely cleared up my acne on chest, forehead and back. I had tried everything and nothing has come as close as this. I was very nervous to take it but I was desperate. Took 2 months to work so be patient, NO side effects at all. Started on 75g and went down to 50mg and it seems to work fine.

Cons:

Watch your potassium intake. Not just bananas - broccoli, tomatoes, tomato paste, nuts, yogurt...worth doing some research on potassium high foods.

Works and well worth watching the diet to be able to wear nice tops without trying to cover up. Unfortunately cost very little in the US but in the UK they don't administer this drug for acne. Have to pay about $200 every six months. Would still pay double this for the effect this has had.

This Was Helpful

7 user(s) found this helpful

Report

Jaya

August 29, 2011

Pros:

Really clear skin all over the body

Cons:

Potassium overload

I've been using this for ages and it had huge benefits for me with not just acne. My sinuses cleared, I stopped getting gout etc. I have had to lower my dose temporarily and some acne has come back. This is due to the fact that I have had a gradual increase in potassium over time and nearly had a heart attack in the street because of it. The leaflet says stay away from oranges and bananas, But I didn't know that Broccoli is really high in potassium... I would eat this 2 meals a day, six days a week. Also potatoes- sky high in potassium, maybe once a week pig out on potato. Almonds, also very high - well I'd eat a handful every day. Tomatoes and the paste, again sky high - I eat Indian mexican and Italian foods, so what do you reckon my potassium levels were? hahahah, Not to mention spinach and silverbeet, my weaknesses. I would say, monitor your potassium carefully. My first few tests were alright, so they stopped testing it. NOT good. I love it, I won't stop it, but I now have to watch what I eat Very carefully for a few weeks, to let it get back to normal. Be careful!!!

This Was Helpful

24 user(s) found this helpful

Report

glowguru7

August 9, 2011

Pros:

slows oil production
clears skin with CONSISTENT and proper use
no side effects so far
works best when I'm on no other meds

Cons:

don't take NSAIDs with it! (Ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve)
drink lots of water every day
avoid caffeine
take vitamins for better physical health. it really limits your side effects if you have a crappy diet (which most people do)
if you're still having breakouts try reducing your dairy intake. milk from pregnant cows have a lot of hormones in it that have been linked to acne in humans. you may sweat more while working out/in the heat but it's better than being broke out!

Bottom line is this medication works if you find the right dosage for your DHT level and do two things. One stick with it. The initial break out most people experience is due to your body reacting to hormonal changes. You're losing testosterone which causes the oil production in your skin. You're body is re-adjusting and it takes time for medication to be properly distributed throughout your body. Once you get clear of that you will see the results. Two, all prescriptions come with side effects. The best way to avoid them is by following the directions properly. Drinking water is essential with this drug. Headaches, joint pain, dizziness, and fatigue are caused by not drinking enough water. Don't take anti-inflammatory medication with this pill. It will damage your liver, bring on more headaches, and cause stomach cramping. Try to avoid caffeine or drink small amounts in the morning before switching over to water. Caffeine dehydrates you which makes you tired. If you're having nausea take the pill with food, a glass of water, and B-complex vitamins. I took Accutane when I was 15 for 9 months. It cleared my skin for 3 months after I quit but it came back. Years later I developed stomach issues which resembled Crohns but it wasn't after many tests. So my Dr. put me on B vitamins DAYS later I felt better and haven't had an episode since. I took Ortho BC pills for 8 years and it helped keep the number of pimples low but I still broke out during my cycle. I quit taking the BC & Spiro last year and lots of my hair fell out. Taking BC pills for a long period of time will cause this side effect so be forewarned. Lots of women go through this and get back on them which just repeats the hair loss cycle. If you quit taking them stay on the Spiro! I didn't and now I'm back on the Spiro to help regrow my hair and clear my skin again. It went crazy 3 months after I quit taking it but my skin is starting to calm, it's less oily than it's ever been and my new hair

This Was Helpful

31 user(s) found this helpful

Report

Emma Cox8

August 5, 2011

Pros:

slowly clears up skin

Cons:

takes months
many stomach problems
heart burn
extremely gassy after eating
fatigue

I have been taking this for 14 months now. I can say it has improved my acne, but I definitely would not recommend this to anyone. I have had horrible stomach issues, heart burn, and extreme upper stomach gas after I eat. It SUCKS! I hate feeling gassy all the time after I eat anything.

This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report

1 … 42 43 44 45 46 … 117

Relevant Article(s):

Relevant Forum(s):

Prescription acne medications

Used Spironolactone? Rate It:

Pros:

Cons:

Pros:

Cons:

Pros:

Cons:

Pros:

Cons:

Pros:

Cons:

Pros:

Cons:

Pros:

Cons:

Pros:

Cons:

Pros:

Cons:

Pros:

Cons:

Relevant Article(s):

Relevant Forum(s):

Finding a Doctor

Finding a Doctor

Be sure to:

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

Red flags:

New Report

Close