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
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
November 1, 2008

Pros:

Clear up my skin completely!!! Notice difference in a week as old lumps are drying up and healing while no new lumps are popping up. Easy to take the pill before bedtime. Lucky to have minor side effects stated below which isn't a problem at all.

Cons:

Wake up with a dry mouth and feeling thirsty.

I had moderately severe cystic acne since I was a teenager and have tried every oral antibiotics, every topical cream/gels, and even did two 12 weeks treatments of Accutane and nothing worked. The costs of trying every treatments and dermatogists were in the $10,000s. The red painful lumps were constanty there on my face. The old lumps didn't even heal yet before a few more pops up. Besides the pain, I felt extremely ugly and had a hard time facing people as I see them staring at my face full of acne. My definition of being beautiful is just having smooth & clear skin like everyone around me. It wasn't until I was 36 that a gynecologist prescribed 100mg of Spiro as I was breaking out despite being on birth control pills. It changed my life forever!! I have been on Spiro for over 10 yrs now. I was on 100mg for a yr and reduced down to 50mg as maintenance. I just increased my dosage back to 100mg as I'm constantly breaking out again. It has been 2 wks now and my face is clear. Try it!
This Was Helpful

6 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 29, 2008

Pros:

I felt like I lost weight, It didn't upset my stomach. I actually don't even feel like I am taking medication. I had hardly any of the side effects, but everyone is different.

Cons:

I did have to pee alot at first, but then I seemed to regulate back to normal.

I have had cystic acne since I was 12, I am now 30 and have been on Spiro for about 2 years. I have tried every oral antibiotic, every topical cream/gel and nothing else has worked. I actually get compliments on how great my skin looks....no one even knows I used to have bad skin. I very rarely get cysts, maybe once every 3 months I get a whitehead/blackhead. I love it and highly recommend it.
This Was Helpful

5 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 27, 2008

Pros:

IT WORKS BEAUTIFULLY
Attacks hormonal acne where it starts
Affordable

Cons:

the day you quit is the day your acne returns
Some lowsy side effects the first 5 mths or so (nothing worth stopping treatment over)

I have been taking Spiro 50mg for about 11 mths now. Spiro is the first thing in over 10 years to work for me!!! It took 5-6 months to work, which I know is awhile, but it is worth the wait! Now, I get a pimple or two (or none) right before my period. I LOVE this drug. This drug does take several months to kick in (everyone is different). It took me about 6 mths of trial and error, questioning if it was doing anything, and questioning if it made my acne worse. I did not think it was going to have any positive affect on me. In addition, some side effects in the first few months included soar (in a painful way) breasts, irregular periods, dizziness out of nowhere, larger breasts, and just not feeling well in general some days. But these are nothing compared to how happy you will be when this stuff works. Please try this, and if you are on it and thinking about trying something else, please dont stop your treatment.
This Was Helpful

15 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 27, 2008

Pros:

I had cystic acne - got worse in my forties- can you believe it? Nothing worked then I tried Spiro - I have had clear skin now for 3 months. My doctor said it tends to work better for women in my age group.

Cons:

None

As your estrogen drops, the male hormones takes over as they are more aggressive. Spriro fights this and blocks the male hormomes - finally a way to fight the source - acne comes from the inside, topical stuff does not fight severed acne. So try this, all you ladies out there !!!
This Was Helpful

8 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 21, 2008

Pros:

Clearer Skin, Better tone,

Cons:

Headaches every one in a while.

I have had severe acne almost all my life. I have taken accutane, and practicaly every antibiotic on the market, nothing helped. I have cystic acne wich is incredibly painfully not to mention embarassing. I have been taking Spironolacton for almost 2 months now and I could not be happier. Don't get me wrong I still get one or two every once in a while but overall the improvement is incredible. I would definitly recommend this. The cost is also a bonus after spending thousands of dollers on products that did not work or worked for a few months.
This Was Helpful

10 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 18, 2008

Pros:

Works! Reduces oil, dries out pimples,blackheadsand whiteheads, reduces breakouts, evens out skin tone...eventually. Oh yea lost a few pounds too which motivated me to workout and my boobs are firmer and a bit larger!

Cons:

Makes u pee like crazy at first. After a month or so not as frequent. Extremely tired first 3 wks. As soon as this ended I broke out pretty bad, which I kind of expected after reading the reviews. Who knows maybe stressing abt having a breakout cause

I take 50mg 2x/day and noticed a reduction in oil around day 10. Still break out but I have 3 pimples a week instead of 3-5 new ones everyday and I'm only on wk 8.I still have months for existing dark spots to heal but I'm very optimistic. The thing is spiro is not a quick fix and u have to be patient because it works from the inside out. Also, you have to find a daily regimen that works for your skin.
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 9, 2008

Pros:

It works - it really does. I've had acne since I was 12 - and acne was all I focused on. For those who have moderate acne, you know what I mean. It's debilitating. I've been on this for a year and my skin is great. Be consistent with taking it

Cons:

irregular periods, dehydration, caffeine like effect

It's great - not sure what the long term affects are - which is scary...but I have clear skin.
This Was Helpful

1 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 8, 2008

Pros:

very effective in treating acne! inexpensive!

Cons:

frequent urination

Although everyone handles medications differently, I highly recommend spironolactone based on my experience for adult females who feel that the typical medications doctors prescribe for acne have not worked for them. This is a completely different way of treating acne than the norm and has made a drastic difference for me. Although I never had severe acne, I was not able to find a medication that stopped my breakouts completely until I went on this. It is rare that I get a pimple now and if I do, it's tiny. Yes, you have to go to the bathroom quite a bit, but it is worth it with the results you get! Just try to take it at dinner time so that you are not up throughout the night going to the BR and stay hydrated. :)
This Was Helpful

3 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 5, 2008

Pros:

Acne completely cleared up!

Cons:

Irregular period

I've had from about 15-23 until I started taking Spiro. I've taken antibiotics and practically every treatment except Accutane. I read about Spiro on this website and decided to try it out. It took about 3-4 months before my acne completely cleared. All I have left are the scars that are starting to fade now. My period has been very irreuglar. That started about the 3rd month. I would say the side effects don't bother me at all though because my skin looks great. Stay dehydrated.
This Was Helpful

10 user(s) found this helpful

Report
October 2, 2008

Pros:

In addition to clearing up my acne, it has reduced my pore size. Also it has made my face a lot less oily. Oh and makes your breast bigger :)

Cons:

A little chest discomfort, frequent urination, sometimes a little tired but it's all worth it for clear skin!

I used to have such clear/perfect skin but after I had my son my face just went crazy. I couldn't afford to go to the derm so it just progressively got worse and worse. To the point that I have horrible scars on my cheeks. It was cystic acne and it basically ruined a big chunk of my life. I was always depressed and did not ever want to be outside in the sun or even anyplace that was well lit. I finally got on accutane and it cleared me right up. The past couple of years my acne has slowly started to come back. I have undergone about 6 fraxel treatments that have helped smooth out my scars and now that I am on spiro 100mg 2x day ( for the past 5 months), Ziana, and Loestrin bc my face is almost completely clear. I don't even put on make up anymore. I still am very self conscious about how my skin looks but at least I am living life a little more. Spiro really does work, as the days go by my skin gets better and better!
This Was Helpful

12 user(s) found this helpful

Report
Previous
1 … 44 45 46 47 48 … 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