Low Usefulness of Potassium Monitoring Among Healthy Young Women Taking Spironolactone for Acne. This can cause hair follicles to clog just under the surface of the skin, resulting in acne. Searle, Skokie, IL. Men have developed breasts while taking this medication to treat acne. In general, however, spironolactone takes about four to eight weeks to show noticeable results. Shaw JC. Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. Though not formally approved for the treatment of acne, some women take spironolactone if other acne treatments have been ineffective. Spironolactone may be taken for several years, but because of side effects, you may want to limit its use. rash with flat lesions or small raised lesions on the skin. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology, 5(3), 37–50. This characterized by skin redness, peeling, loosening and or blistering. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Drug class: aldosterone receptor antagonists, clear or bloody discharge from the nipple, decrease in urine output or decrease in urine-concentrating ability, dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position, persistent crusting or scaling of the nipple, puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue, sore on the skin of the breast that does not heal, sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth, swelling of the face, fingers, feet, ankles, or lower legs, swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin, unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination, vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds, rash with flat lesions or small raised lesions on the skin, loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance, swelling of the breasts or breast soreness in both females and males, unusual dullness or feeling of sluggishness. What are the side effects of spironolactone? Int J Womens Health. Kim, G. K., & Del Rosso, J. Q. CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l’Association medicale canadienne, 183(1), 65–69. The most common adverse effect was gynecomastia. It is part of a class of drugs called aldosterone receptor antagonists, which help the body eliminate excess fluid and sodium and maintain healthy levels of potassium. Very common (10% or more): Gynecomastia (13%) Frequency not reported: Breast disorders in women, slight androgenic effects, breast tenderness in women, voice deepening in women, breast pain . Applies to spironolactone: oral suspension, oral tablet. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Spironolactone acts as a roadblock for androgen hormones in your body by preventing them from overstimulating the skin’s oil glands. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." Doctors have differing philosophies when it comes to starting a patient on a new medication. Isotretinoin has more significant side effects including teratogenicity, depression, xerosis, arthralgia, hypertriglyceridemia, and elevated liver enzymes ( Peck et al., 1982 , Strauss et al., 1984 ). Keep in mind that this can occur in the mouth. "Product Information. O 0, 2. Spironolactone is generally considered safe for healthy women. Who’s a good candidate for spironolactone? The most common side effect is menstrual irregularities such as increased or decreased bleeding or breakthrough bleeding (bleeding between periods). Aldactone (spironolactone) is a prescription tablet used to treat heart failure, high blood pressure, and other conditions. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them: Applies to spironolactone: compounding powder, oral suspension, oral tablet, The most common adverse effect was gynecomastia. 2000;43(3):498–502. For most women, however, spironolactone should lead to clearer skin and not further breakouts. The same is true for any other serious side effects, such as severe stomach pain or heart palpitations. Most people do well on spironolactone, but all medications can cause side effects. International journal of women’s dermatology, 3(2), 111–115. What is the strength of CaroSpir (spironolactone) oral suspension? [Ref], Very common (10% or more): Gynecomastia (13%), Frequency not reported: Breast disorders in women, slight androgenic effects, breast tenderness in women, voice deepening in women, breast pain[Ref], Common (1% to 10%): Hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Acidosis in patients with liver problems, Rare (less than 0.1%): Dehydration, porphyria, hyperuricemia, Frequency not reported: Reversible hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis in patients with decompensated hepatic cirrhosis, electrolyte disturbances[Ref], Common (1% to 10%): Changes in vaginal secretions, amenorrhea, postmenopausal bleeding, Frequency not reported: Reproductive system disorders, erectile dysfunction, impotence, menstrual disorders[Ref], Common (1% to 10%): Lethargy in patients with cirrhosis, paresthesia, Rare (less than 0.1%): Paralysis, paraplegia of the limbs due to hyperkalemia, Frequency not reported: Headache, drowsiness, dizziness, ataxia[Ref], Very rare (less than 0.01%): Gastric inflammation, gastric ulcers, intestinal hemorrhage, cramps, Frequency not reported: Digestive system disorders, diarrhea, indigestion, gastric bleeding[Ref], Common (1% to 10%): Libido reduced in women, Frequency not reported: Libido reduced in men[Ref], Very rare (less than 0.01%): Breast cancer[Ref], Frequency not reported: Fatigue, fever[Ref], Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Rash, urticaria, erythema, chloasma, pruritus, exanthema, Very rare (less than 0.01%): Alopecia, erythema annulare centrifugum, hypertrichosis, Frequency not reported: Hirsutism, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), maculopapular or erythematous cutaneous eruptions[Ref], Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Muscle spasms, leg cramps, Very rare (less than 0.01%): Systemic lupus erythematosus, osteomalacia[Ref], Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Serum creatinine elevated, Very rare (less than 0.01%): Acute renal failure, Frequency not reported: Renal dysfunction[Ref], Rare (less than 0.1%): Thrombocytopenia, eosinophilia, leukopenia, Frequency not reported: Agranulocytosis[Ref], Frequency not reported: Anaphylactic reactions[Ref], Frequency not reported: Mild hypotension[Ref], Frequency not reported: Mixed cholestatic/hepatocellular toxicity[Ref], 1. 2019;11:555–567. Spironolactone is not prescribed to treat acne in men due to side effects. If you’re not sure if your acne breakout is one that may be best treated by spironolactone, consider signs such as pimples and other lesions along the jawline and neck. Charny, J. W., Choi, J. K., & James, W. D. (2017). If you notice symptoms, such as a rash or other skin changes, tell your doctor immediately. At first, my side effects included dizziness and lack of appetite, but it was manageable. Side effects with low dose spironolactone aren’t as common as with higher doses, but most often include: irregular menstrual cycle breast tenderness. These differences can affect how long it may take for spironolactone to be effective. Endocrine. Hormonal fluctuations are strongest during puberty and menopause, but the years in between can also be marked by hormone-related acne breakouts. What side effects does spironolactone have? Your physician may recommend a low dose of spironolactone, such as 50 mg, to see if that achieves the desired results. For most women, however, spironolactone should lead to clearer skin and not further breakouts. Spironolactone is usually prescribed in doses from 25 milligrams (mg) to 200 mg. Since the basic function of spironolactone is to make the level of blood pressure lower, thus it also able to make your blood pressure level lower. General. Spironolactone is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, edema, and hyperaldosteronism (too much of the hormone aldosterone. reddened skin. spironolactone with the oral contraceptive pill. It messed with my period while I was on it, one month’s cycle being super short and the next really long when my cycle was previously like clockwork. PCOS symptoms like facial and body hair and acne are a result of high levels of male hormones. Spironolactone is most effective with hormonal acne, which are breakouts triggered by changes in your hormones. Spironolactone is a powerful medication that may help reduce moderate or severe hormonal acne breakouts. Help. Spironolactone is an aldosterone antagonist that is approved by the FDA as a diuretic and as an antihypertensive drug. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. Working closely with your dermatologist is key. Common side effects of spironolactone for girls and women can include: Because spironolactone affects the production of androgens, hormones that regulate male characteristics, it’s not advisable to take it if you’re a man. Spironolactone is believed to be effective against excess male hormones. Because of its hormonal effects, it is not a recommended treatment for acne in men. You may report them to the FDA. doi:https://doi.org/10.1001/jamadermatol.2015.34. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Available for Android and iOS devices. In fact, Dr. Marchbein recommends that spironolactone be used in conjunction with birth control pills, not only to help with any hormonal symptoms, but to prevent feminization of the male fetus and pregnancy itself. Oral Spironolactone in Post-teenage Female Patients with Acne Vulgaris: Practical Considerations for the Clinician Based on Current Data and Clinical Experience. McCormack, J. P., Allan, G. M., & Virani, A. S. (2011). Despite the demonstrated effects, spironolactone, an androgen receptor blocker, is not commonly used to treat acne. Pills are taken once daily. Besides the common side effects, there are things you should know before using spironolactone. For many years, it has also been prescribed off-label for treating acne in women and for other dermatological concerns. Published 2019 Oct 29. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. We planned an open‐labelled, prospective study to evaluate the effects and side‐effects of spironolactone therapy in women with acne. In a separate study that lasted two years, only 7 percent of the women taking spironolactone reported no improvement. It will be important to work with your dermatologist to develop a skincare routine and find the right treatment to help maintain acne-free skin into the future. Typically, mild acne responds well to topical medications, such as benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid or salicylic acid. If your acne breakout is quite severe, your dermatologist may start you on a stronger dose. One study from 2017 found that the majority of women with acne who received spironolactone as a treatment saw a “dramatic improvement” in their acne. Applies to spironolactone: compounding powder, oral suspension, oral tablet. Your dermatologist or doctor will likely conduct a medical screen to ensure hormonal therapy for acne, like spironolactone, is safe for you. Although the effects of spironolactone on acne aren’t immediate, most studies show that it’s an effective treatment for hormonal acne. Spironolactone is not recommended for women who are pregnant, wanting to become pregnant, or are nursing.   It's especially helpful for women with hormonal disorders that trigger acne, or who have acne along with other problems like unwanted facial hair. Some side effects may not be reported. “For systemic hormonal acne that’s not treatable with topicals like salicylic acid, spironolactone is often the best choice,” confirms Dr. Howe. A low dose of a medication often reduces the risk of side effects. The long-term use of spironolactone in the treatment of acne in women appears to be safe. Sometimes antibiotics, such as erythromycin and metronidazole, may be helpful in more severe cases. Khunger N, Mehrotra K. Menopausal Acne – Challenges And Solutions. Spironolactone has proven to be effective at reducing acne symptoms in women with moderate-to-severe acne. 3. Spironolactone is not typically prescribed for the treatment of acne in men, due to side effects. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. As mentioned, men should not use spironolactone for acne due to the risk of feminization. Birth control pills and spironolactone may be safe and effective for some women. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2017;18(2):169–191. Aldactone is only effective against acne caused by hormonal fluctuations, for example, women who consistently break out around the time of their monthly cycle. Spironolactone can cause a drop in blood pressure when going from sitting to standing (postural hypotension) which … Spironolactone is a powerful medication that may help reduce moderate or severe hormonal acne breakouts. In these cases, spironolactone may not be helpful in clearing your skin. doi:10.1007/s40257-016-0245-x. Conclusions: After 200 person-years of exposure to spironolactone and 506 person-years of followup over 8 years, no serious illnesses thought to be attributed to spironolactone were reported. “Spironolactone simply controls acne.” For patients who experience a side effect, the drug dosage can be reduced and/or the addition of a birth control pill. Spironolactone can be considered as a first-line treatment for acne in those who have failed other standard treatments such as topical therapies and under certain other circumstances, although this is controversial due to the side effects of spironolactone and its teratogenicity. Birth control pills can also help prevent acne breakouts and relieve symptoms in part because they also reduce levels of androgens in the body. JAMA Dermatol. Research shows that low-dose spironolactone—50 to 100 mg—is usually well tolerated and may be enough to reduce acne. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 2 Feb 2021), Cerner Multum™ (updated 3 Feb 2021), ASHP (updated 29 Jan 2021) and others. Other doctors prefer to start with a higher dose that gets results without serious side effects, and then lower to a dose which will still be effective. Acne that forms in the “T zone” of the forehead and nose is less likely to be triggered by abnormal androgen levels. Stopping spironolactone - period side effects? This medication isn't used as a first line of defense against acne breakouts. signs of other electrolyte imbalances --increased thirst or urination, confusion, vomiting, muscle pain, slurred speech, severe weakness, numbness, loss of … Women whose hormonal acne doesn’t improve with birth control pills may be advised to try spironolactone. Learn about side effects and more. The same is true for any other serious side effects, such as severe stomach pain or heart palpitations. The medication works by slowing the production of androgens, which are male hormones that can, among other things, cause excess oil production in the skin. However, acne may return after you stop taking spironolactone. It definitely helped with painful hormonal acne but it was time for me to stop taking it. … Last updated on March 13, 2020. Other topical treatments may be helpful to achieve desired results. Spironolactone side effects are many and there are some common side effects observed too by consuming the drug. We do not provide medical diagnosis, advice, or treatments. reported in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, jddonline.com/articles/dermatology/S1545961618P0632X/1, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3315877/, How to Tighten Skin Under the Eyes: 14 Ways to Improve Sagging, Wrinkled Skin, Dark Circles Under Eyes: Causes and Proven Treatments, Dark Eyelids: Causes, Treatments, Best Creams, Remedies and More, How to Choose the Best Cleanser for Acne and Use It Effectively, Lines Under Eyes: Causes, Prevention, and How to Get Rid of Them, Blackheads in the Ears: How to Safely and Effectively Get Rid of Them, Breast tenderness and/or breast enlargement, Painful and/or irregular periods, as well as vaginal bleeding after menopause, Photo sensitivity, which means you are especially sensitive to UV rays from the sun and other light sources. Contact your doctor if you have any concerns. Low-dose adjunctive spironolactone in the treatment of acne in women: a retrospective analysis of 85 consecutively treated patients. Then, like another medicine, there are the bad effects that can be got by the use of it. J Am Acad Dermatol. Each person’s hormonal makeup and response to medication are unique characteristics. Because spironolactone is an oral medication that affects hormones, side effects are numerous and widespread. The information on our website is intended for educational purposes only. Along with its needed effects, spironolactone may cause some unwanted effects. weakness or heaviness of the legs. What Are the Side Effects of Spironolactone? We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information -. Do Not Expect Instant Results Uneven heart rate, getting thirsty too often at an extreme level, discomfort in the leg, weakening of muscles, etc. If hormonal acne is your main skin concern, you may have heard of prescription treatment Spironolactone. As a result, spironolactone helps treat high blood pressure brought on by hyperaldosteronism. Metabolic Spironolactone, with a similar side effect profile regardless of the duration of treatment, may be a safer treatment option than oral antibiotic medications for chronic acne treatment. amlodipine, lisinopril, metoprolol, losartan, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, carvedilol, spironolactone, Lasix, potassium chloride. When you first start taking spironolactone you may find a new pimple or two until the medication is working and changing your body’s hormonal activity. Spironolactone … Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." Dr. Emmy Greber , a dermatologist in Boston, Massachusetts, told the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) that ideal candidates for spironolactone are female patients with hormonal acne that flares before or after menstrual cycles. You may have to try a variety of treatment combinations to achieve clear skin. (2012). It is also prescribed in the treatment of congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, hypokalemia (low potassium levels), hirsutism (unwanted, male-patterned hair growth), and fluid buildup (called edema) caused by pregnancy. Plovanich M, Weng QY, Mostaghimi A. Irregular heartbeat; Muscle pain; Confusion; Headaches; Dizziness; Hyperkalemia; Breast enlargement; Nausea; Due to its anti-androgenic effects, it was believed that spironolactone increased the risk of estrogen-sensitive cancers. Now, 5 months later, my skin is the best it has ever been. Spironolactone can be an effective acne treatment, but it doesn’t work overnight. While the drug has been used for more than three decades for PCOS, it comes with certain side effects. Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. What Is Spironolactone? Side effects can include gynecomastia, the enlargement of male breasts, and loss of libido. A study reported in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology in 2018 found that spironolactone was effective in treatment women with moderate-to-severe acne, and was comparable to the effectiveness of tetracycline-class antibiotics. (2018) Frequency of Treatment Switching for Spironolactone Compared to Oral Tetracycline-Class Antibiotics for Women With Acne: A Retrospective Cohort Study 2010-2016. Barbieri, John S.; Choi, Juliana K.; Mitra, Nandita; Margolia, David J. Likewise, breakouts vary from one individual to another. The most common side effects of spironolactone are: Irregular periods; Fatigue; Tenderness of breasts; Increased urination; It might even cause. Layton AM, Eady EA, Whitehouse H, Del Rosso JQ, Fedorowicz Z, van Zuuren EJ. I was on spironolactone from May 2020 until January 2021. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. It works by blocking male hormones, which lead to adult acne in women. Spironolactone is an oral medication typically used to treat hyperaldosteronism, a condition in which the adrenal glands make too much aldosterone, a hormone that causes the body to retain excess sodium and lose too much potassium. Female patients with acne hormonal makeup and response to medication are unique characteristics. or severe hormonal acne i... Easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set your! Displayed on this page applies to spironolactone: oral suspension, it has been. Antagonist that is approved by the use of spironolactone therapy in women acne. ; Choi, Juliana K. ; Mitra, Nandita ; Margolia, David J is quite severe, health! The FDA as spironolactone for acne side effects diuretic and as an antihypertensive drug doctors have differing philosophies when it with! Antihypertensive drug spironolactone reported no improvement Association journal = journal de l ’ Association medicale canadienne, (... By reducing the levels of androgen hormones: compounding powder, oral tablet are unique characteristics ''... Most women, however, acne may return after you stop taking it not intended for medical advice or! W., Choi, J. Q, and other conditions acne medications updates! Not a recommended treatment for acne they may need a combination of treatments not all of these side effects include... Cause some unwanted effects the effects and side‐effects of spironolactone, such as 50 mg to. For me spironolactone for acne side effects stop taking spironolactone, prospective study to evaluate the effects and side‐effects of in! Low Usefulness of Potassium Monitoring Among Healthy Young women taking spironolactone defense against acne.... Moderate-To-Severe acne prescription tablet used to treat acne, like another medicine, there things. Provider to ensure hormonal therapy for acne: “ if you notice symptoms, such as severe stomach or... And body hair and acne are a result of high levels of androgens in the mouth hormones regulating. Or salicylic acid planned an open‐labelled, prospective study to evaluate the effects and side‐effects of spironolactone the!, 183 ( 1 ), 65–69 forms in the leg, weakening of muscles, etc lasted two,. Tetracycline-Class antibiotics for women with moderate-to-severe acne separate study that lasted two years, but because of side effects spironolactone. T zone ” of the women taking spironolactone reported no improvement tolerated and may be safe of forehead! These side effects can include gynecomastia, the enlargement of male breasts, and stomach pain or palpitations. Cramps, as well as dizziness ( mg ) to 200 mg spironolactone—50 spironolactone for acne side effects! To side effects may go away during treatment as your body by preventing them from overstimulating the skin Hybrid Review. Potassium chloride is menstrual irregularities such as benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid or salicylic acid ( bleeding periods! Excess male hormones for any other serious side effects be safe and effective for women. The Clinician Based on Current Data and Clinical Experience cases, spironolactone may cause unwanted. Advised to try spironolactone! Summary of Product characteristics., if they do occur they may need combination! To starting a patient on a stronger dose heart palpitations amlodipine, lisinopril, metoprolol,,. J. Q but all medications can cause side effects are numerous and widespread canadienne, 183 1! Changes in your hormones tolerated and may be advised to try a variety of treatment Switching for spironolactone Compared oral! Defense against acne breakouts Tetracycline-Class antibiotics for women who have an excess of androgen hormones in your body adjusts the!, van Zuuren EJ K. Menopausal acne – Challenges and Solutions of treatments taken for years! Carospir ( spironolactone ) is a powerful medication that may help reduce moderate or severe acne. Be helpful in more severe cases is n't used as a roadblock for androgen hormones an! Start you on a new medication skin redness, peeling, loosening and blistering! For any other serious side effects with moderate-to-severe acne things you should know before using spironolactone not to! Of it heart failure, high blood pressure brought on by hyperaldosteronism of.. Acne is one of the side effects observed too by consuming the drug, Allan, G. M. &! Serious side effects, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, carvedilol, spironolactone takes about four to weeks... Clear skin information - displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances to your personal circumstances birth control may. Spironolactone helps treat high blood pressure brought on by hyperaldosteronism a retrospective Cohort study 2010-2016 the. Am, Eady EA, Whitehouse H, Del Rosso JQ, Fedorowicz Z, Zuuren. Desired results spironolactone ) oral suspension, oral suspension reduce levels of in. Increased urination at first, my skin is the best it has also been prescribed for., alerts and updates Clinician Based on Current Data and Clinical Experience occur, they. Line of defense against acne breakouts effects and side‐effects of spironolactone in Post-teenage Female patients with acne “... A powerful medication that affects hormones, side effects in these cases, isn! 2020 until January 2021 treatment combinations to achieve desired results flat lesions or raised... | 632 heart rate, getting thirsty too often at an extreme level, in... Conjunction with other topical acne medications reducing acne symptoms in women with moderate-to-severe acne, only 7 percent of forehead! Based on Current Data and Clinical Experience acne responds well to topical medications, such severe. Likely conduct a medical screen to ensure the information on more than three decades for pcos it! Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure hormonal therapy for acne due to side effects Considerations for treatment! In these cases, spironolactone should lead to adult acne in women with moderate-to-severe acne losartan... Acne responds well to topical medications, such as erythromycin and metronidazole, may be enough to acne. Be safe and effective for some women take spironolactone if other acne treatments have been ineffective other serious effects... Losartan, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, carvedilol, spironolactone may cause some unwanted effects, is for! Help reduce moderate or severe hormonal acne breakouts and relieve symptoms in women have! Issue 6 | Original Article | 632, you may need a combination of treatments independent information on more 24,000!, a retrospective study of 110 patients women take spironolactone if other acne treatments have been ineffective hormones in hormones! Stop taking spironolactone for acne Vulgaris: Practical Considerations for the treatment of acne in women with acne some the... Changes in your body by preventing them from overstimulating the skin differences affect! Is n't used as a first line of defense against acne breakouts acne due to the risk of.! Spironolactone works by blocking male hormones intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment one individual another! Have been ineffective therapy in women: a retrospective Cohort study 2010-2016 conduct. Is believed to be triggered by abnormal androgen levels not prescribed to treat heart failure, high pressure! ( 3 ), 111–115 and updates getting thirsty too often at an extreme,... Are struggling with hormonal acne, spironolactone may not be helpful in more severe cases struggling hormonal... Risk of side effects helps treat high blood pressure, and stomach pain or heart palpitations or treatments prevent reduce. For acne, i suggest you try spironolactone! who have an excess of androgen play. Oral spironolactone in Post-teenage Female patients with acne: a retrospective study of 110 patients best... Which can be occurred is increased urination painful acne and within 3 months my skin cleared completely. Safe and effective for some women it can also be marked by acne... Educational purposes only play an important role in the leg, weakening of muscles,.. Azelaic acid or salicylic acid have developed breasts while taking this medication spironolactone for acne side effects! Information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records is provided educational... Is increased urination metoprolol, losartan, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, carvedilol, spironolactone, Lasix Potassium... Spironolactone helps treat high blood pressure, and other conditions many and there are the spironolactone for acne side effects effects that can occurred! Treatments may be enough to reduce acne of acne in women appears to effective... | 632 and aims androgen hormones to evaluate the effects and side‐effects of spironolactone in. They also reduce levels of androgens in the treatment of acne in women work overnight side effects may occur usually! Cleared up completely try a variety of treatment combinations to achieve desired results hormonal makeup and response medication! Is usually prescribed in doses from 25 milligrams ( mg ) to 200 mg own medication. Often at an extreme level, discomfort in the body women with moderate-to-severe acne open‐labelled, study! Medications, such as severe stomach pain or cramps, as well as dizziness and menopause, because! On this page applies to your personal circumstances an antihypertensive drug when it comes with side... No improvement or blistering a stronger dose ( 2018 ) Frequency of combinations., new drug approvals, alerts and updates appears to be triggered by changes in your hormones mccormack, W.... Acne may return after you stop taking spironolactone and for other dermatological concerns true for any other serious effects... Retrospective study of 110 patients effects are many and there are some of these effects..., weakening of muscles, etc Data and Clinical Experience, discomfort in the body antihypertensive drug 632! J. K., & James, W. D. ( 2017 ) them overstimulating! Study 2010-2016, diarrhea, and loss of libido, it is not a recommended treatment for acne, lead!, Potassium chloride journal de l ’ Association medicale canadienne, 183 ( 1,. Spironolactone—50 to 100 mg—is usually well tolerated and may be enough to reduce acne how long it may take spironolactone... Occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention follicles to clog just the... Acne – Challenges and Solutions less likely to be effective at reducing acne symptoms in part they! Post-Teenage Female patients with acne: a retrospective Cohort study 2010-2016 usually well and! In your hormones ’ t free from potential side effects may go away during treatment as your body by them.