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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February 21, 2008

Pros:

better facial skin all around!!!

Cons:

none, except for maybe having to take a pill
1-2 times a day

I have had rally horrible cystic acne on my chin for about the last 10+ years, consistently.....one pops up just as the others recede, and it's a never ending story...... I had tried antibiotic) benzaclin, birth control but NOTHING worked. As everyone else says, within the with 2 months I had a HORRIBLE breakout....probably the worst in my life. But once it cleared up, it cleared up for good! first I was 25mg, then 50 mg, and now 50 mg twice a day. I never thought ANYTHING would heal my acne. Spironolactone is amaizng! A wonder drug for hormonal acne. I reccommend it 105% My new cleansing plan is 50 mg of spiro in the AM along with probiotics & garlic capsules, and the same repeated in the night before bed. And I also wash my face in the shower with Cetephil Antibacterial Soap and the combo works WONDERS!
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February 20, 2008

Pros:

skin and hair less oily
reduced cysts

Cons:

gets worse before it gets better
frequent urination
Dizzy sometimes

IF YOU ARE DISCOURAGED BECAUSE YOU THINK THAT THIS MEDICINE IS NOT WORKING PLEEEEASE STICK IT OUT! I have been taking Spiro for about 2 months now and I have seen a huge difference in the reduction of painful cysts and blemishes. I felt so horrible because my skin looked worse than ever that I barely wanted to go anyone or be up close to anyone. I was especially concerned with the lighting everywhere I went because my face was that bad. Within the last week I have seen an improvement and it has been 2 months.At some points it seems like 2 steps forward, and then 2 steps back, but It is important to stick it out! It stinks, but you have to be patient! Give it 3 months! It seems to be working for me, and I have tried everything under the sun except for accutane. I am hoping for even clearer skin at 3 months like everyone says!
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February 9, 2008

Pros:

Really does the trick

Cons:

Frequent urination, takes 3 months to start working and during that time acne gets worse

I am in love with this product, my skin hasn't looked this good even since I was a kid. I have had acne since I was 10 and have been through it all. When I turned 16 I went on Yasmin to control my acne. That did wonders for my face, but nothing for my back. After a year I had to go off Yasmin after a series of bad head aches and other problems that come with the pill. I went back to trying to balance other medications which were fine, but I would still have minor break outs from time to time. My derm finally told me to try Spironolactone after four more years of frustration. The first three months were horrible, my acne got much worse. I was about to give up when one morning I woke up and the acne was much better. For another 2 months I had a little patch of small red spots on my chin but they faded. It has been 7 months now and my skin looks amazing. I don't even bother with makeup anymore! This is the first product I have used that has cleared my back up. The best thing a
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February 9, 2008

Pros:

Inexpensive, not many side effects, actually effectively cleared up my skin.

Cons:

I'm a little bit wary of having to take this long term in order to keep my skin clear.

I had moderate acne when I was a teenager and tried tetracycline, topical medications and even accutane. My skin was never "perfect" even after accutane. Within the past year I went back to the dermatologist and tried topicals, changing birth control, and antibiotics. Nothing helped, and I just would up with not just broken out skin, but dry flaky skin on top of it. It was a nightmare; I was starting to feel depressed and didn't even want to go out because of my skin. Out of desperation I went back on Yasmin as that was the only thing that really cleared up my skin, but it made me a little bit emotionally crazy and I couldn't stand it. FINALLY the dermatologist prescribed Spiro! I've been taking it for about a month and my skin has cleared up tremendously! I'm to the point where I'm not just thinking "ok, my skin is improving and clearing up," but I think "wow, my skin looks GOOD!" I still have a few blemishes, but with a little concealer, my skin looks pretty darn close to perfect.
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February 9, 2008

Pros:

My husband noticed a difference after a week, my pores are smaller and my complextion seemed to even out, hardly any oil.

Cons:

Tired, heart palpatations, dry lips, can't drink enough water. Not enough to deter me.

I am supposed to take 50mg at night and in the morning but I only take the night dose because I felt weird until about 2pm. Doc also gave me Retin A for spot treatments (at night)and Benzaclin(in am). It seems that I have a glow which I've always envied people for and I still have had a couple of cyst since starting a month ago but don't get me wrong it is still better than what I dealt with in the past.
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February 2, 2008

Pros:

Less oily skin; virtually no cystic acne

Cons:

Irregular period

I had horrible cystic acne on my cheeks and jawline before EVERY period. Horrible, deep pimples that took so long to clear up that I felt like I was always dealing with them. I started on spiro and w/n the first month, my face improved dramatically. It has been maybe 5 months now and I think I've had one small cystic pimple...AND it cleared up right away! I also use Avage and/or Tazorac at night. I get compliments all the time on my skin! I don't think that has ever happened. Try spiro. It's amazing. Oh, I take 50 mg/day and then up to 75 mg/day the week prior to my period.
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January 25, 2008

Pros:

Eliminated 99% of cystic, hormonal acne.

Cons:

Can't use it during pregnancy.

I am 25 years old and have had acne of various types since I was 13. I have tried many medications over the years, both topical and oral - antibiotics, vitamin A based, etc etc. When I started using spironolactone about a year ago, I had about 28 to 30 active, inflamed cystic pimples. I saw great improvement within a few weeks, and within a few months my monthly break outs consisted of maybe one cystic spot. I also use Benzaclin (topical antibiotic) daily, and Differin as needed, but what has really made this difference is this med. After dealing with my acne for over ten years, I had about given up, so this is my miracle acne drug. I experience little to no side effects while taking 50mg per day.
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January 22, 2008

Pros:

no more oily skin, smaller pores, no more breakouts

Cons:

makes you pee alot

I have had acne since I was 11. I have tried everything including accutane. once i was off accutane about 1 year and i would get more breakouts. About a year ago i started getting cysts and went to my gyno she put me on 100mg twice a day and lo estrin. This has worked miracles on my skin. I have been on this for a year now and I have not had a breakout in about 6 months. I also use differin gel. Its consistent and your skin is practically flawless. Dont give up this might be the answer for you too.
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January 18, 2008

Pros:

It is the only thing that really gets rid of my cystic acne.

I'm prescribed 50mg. 2x a day. I found that if I take it once at night that seems to do it for me. If I miss a night though, I usually have a breakout in a day or so. It's so nice to know that I have control over it now. I also use Tazorac at night, my skin looks great!
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January 18, 2008

Pros:

The oiliness and number of blemishes has decreased.

Cons:

I am still having the cystic breakouts but the numbers have decreased.

I am 37 years old and suddenly started having severe breakouts on my cheeks and jawline about 7 months ago. It was so strange because it was like I would develop identical zits on each side of my face. First I thought I must be have a reaction to make-up or sunscreen so I through everything out and started fresh. Then I tried to treat myself with OTC products. Nothing worked. I finally went to a PA who works for a dermatologist and she prescribed my Spiro. I started Spiro about 6 weeks ago. My initial dose was 25mg am and pm. I was later bumped up to 50mg am and pm. I was not happy with the initial results so I requested a dose increase. I am now on 100 mg am and pm. I know I need to remain patient, but like many of you I have developed a lot of anxiety and even depression over the condition of my skin. I am praying this works.
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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.
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