Given the limited research support, its essential to consult your doctor or dermatologist to determine if spironolactone is the right treatment approach for you. I read online on spironolactone site under the drug and food interactions that . If Curology is right for you, well prescribe you a personalized formula with a mix of ingredients chosen for your unique needs. It's amazing! $29.95/month(billed every 60 days at $59.90). People who may become pregnant are strongly advised to usecontraceptionwhile taking spironolactone. But can ice facials help reduce puffy eyes and acne? Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have. Don't use with: Check with your physician for interactions with other medications. 1996-2023 The American Acne Association. Hi, i started on 50mg Spiro for two weeks before raising to 100mg (using for hairloss & oily skin). I only came across it during one of my early hypochondriac Google searches before my hormonal acne was at its worst. However, they might recommend you start with 25 milligrams a day and slowly increase your dose to reduce. ", As Spironolactone helps to balance hormone levels, it may disrupt your menstrual cycle. Around the three-month mark, I stopped by my local drugstore to pick up more blemish concealer in preparation for the typical monthly breakout around my period. It blocks androgens (aka male sex hormones). Spironolactone comes as an oral tablet and an oral suspension. Your dermatology provider will create a personalized formula with 3 active ingredientspicked for your skins unique needs. Spironolactone is also used off-label to treat hormonal acne.(2). (Lucky me, right?). Here are eight things you should know before you start taking the medication, from spironolactone side effects to how long it takes to work. Dermatol Clin. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. this sounds great. (10) When potassium levels are too high, this can lead to heart damage. Spironolactone is prescribed to be taken daily and can be safely taken for many years, if necessary. But after four months of spironolactone, I also no longer had to fret about pimples emerging on my chin and cheeks every month when the cramps came. There are no FDA approved uses formally - but it is often used by clinicians around the world for 3 primary 'off use' uses: 1) treatment of acne in women 2) treatment of female pattern hair loss (genetic hair loss in women) and 3) treatment of hirsuitism in women. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that, on average, women notice improvement in their acne after taking Spironolactone for two to three months. I even triumphantly stashed my charcoal and mud masks under the bathroom sink, as I no longer woke up to red or blotchy skin. If you have a strong family history of breast cancer, your provider may advise against spironolactone. You must have a prescription to use Spironolactone. On a less risky note, spironolactone is known to cause breast tenderness and, in some women, breast enlargement. (7), It helps treat the hormonal component of acneincluding acne on the face, chest, and back.(8). The impact Spironolactone has on hormones is what give it those acne-clearing superpowers. Subject to consultation. StatPearls. Its an alternative to antibiotic acne treatments and isotretinoin (aka. I was desperate for a solution, so I barely asked about any of the pill's side effects. We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article. Were here to tell you what we know, but dont take it as medical advice. I've been on it several years and tried to go off it once a couple years ago. What is the strength of CaroSpir (spironolactone) oral suspension? All Rights Reserved. (10) When potassium levels are too high, this can lead to heart damage. When Should Men See a Dermatologist for Adult Acne? Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Common side effects of long-term use of spironolactone during treatment for acne include irregular menstruation, urinary frequency, dizziness, headaches, nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, and breast enlargement (Shaw and White, 2002). amlodipine, lisinopril, metoprolol, losartan, furosemide, carvedilol, hydrochlorothiazide, spironolactone, Lasix, chlorthalidone. But if youre planning to stop taking spironolactone, first talk with your provider about how to stop this medication safely. Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. All rights reserved. +$10/month (billed every 60 days at $20). Decreases oiliness and helps prevent and treat clogged pores. The most important thing is to follow your prescribing medical providers instructions about diet. Orslugging. Read our, Spironolactone Side Effects and Safety Considerations. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 2 Apr 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 17 Apr 2023), ASHP (updated 10 Apr 2023) and others. 63% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 21% reported a negative experience. "The effect of the body's hormones will go back to what it was before you started," says Dr. Zeichner. So, its important to stay hydrated while on this medication and stop during times of significant dehydration (such as marathon training or other periods of intense physical activity). One approach is to try prescription medications to help correct the imbalance. Drug classes: Aldosterone receptor antagonists, Potassium-sparing diuretics. By blocking the actions of testosterone on our skin, the risk of clogged pores and subsequent acne is reduced. 2012 May (Acne suppl). Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 2 Apr 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 17 Apr 2023), ASHP (updated 10 Apr 2023) and others. Tamiflu: Is It Best To Help You Fight the Flu? Avoid a diet high in salt. Anna Harris is an experienced fact-checker and researcher and a beauty writer and editor. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. high-dose spironolactone. I finally found out the reason I started breaking out again. But, some doctors are starting to use it for oil. ", "Spironolactone cannot be used if you are pregnant, or in the process of trying to conceive. Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Moreover, skin biometric characteristics including skin hydration, erythema, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), pH, sebum, and Propionibacterium acnes bacteria activity were also assessed following the treatment. But Kluk says that many patients see improvement after just two "rounds" of treatment and find that they don't have to continue taking the medication. The American Acne Association does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This medication helps reduce androgen hormones, which produce oil-clogging sebum. This drug should be used only for its indicated conditions and unnecessary use should be avoided. Long-term maintenance therapy for patients deemed unsuitable for surgery or those with idiopathic hyperaldosteronism. If you're dealing with hormonal acne, talk to your dermatologist. Testosterone and dihydrotestosterone are the main ones, but progesterones also have some androgen activity." Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use spironolactone only for the indication prescribed. Can you take spironolactone while pregnant? What are some alternatives to spironolactone? Ive been taking spironolactone for two years now. (2016). Works well with: Generally, it works well with all topical treatments. It may not be safe to breastfeed while using spironolactone. Breathe a sigh of relief, because it falls under "very safe" on the spectrum of medications. (2017). I dont get it. Weight gain is not considered a formal side effect of Spironolactone and it is not listed as a side effect on the packaging of the medication. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using spironolactone. Frequent Urination Spironolactone is a diuretic, so it removes excess fluid from the body via urination. What It Means When Acne Is on Certain Areas of Your Face. What's a typical dosage? While prescription medications such as spironolactone may help some people, natural alternatives like DIM may also reduce hormonal acne and provide clearer skin, without the same risk of harmful side effects. Spironolactone helps reduce those androgen hormones, which, in turn, reduces excess sebum and acne. In one study, 85% of patients saw an improvement in their acne, and 55% were completely clear of acne after taking Spironolactone. Both the pill and the cream require a prescription. So where does alcohol come in? Also hair has started falling out fast again. Topical spironolactone can treat hormonal acne when applied directly to the skin. It took 6. Applies to the following strengths: 25 mg; 100 mg; 50 mg; 25 mg/5 mL Usual Adult Dose for: Edema Hypertension Congestive Heart Failure Primary Hyperaldosteronism Hypokalemia Additional dosage information: Renal Dose Adjustments Liver Dose Adjustments Because some oral birth control pills also treat acne, your provider may recommend using both spironolactone and an oral birth control pill together as a highly effective acne treatment, while also preventing pregnancy. 4. If you do stop taking it, it's possible that your hormonal acne will come back. And the proof is in my before-and-after photos: Courtesy photo. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Risk of increased potassium (hyperkalemia). If you haveacne,you already know there are about a zillion products out there that claim to fix it. Kim GK, Del Rosso JQ. People of any skin color can develop blackheads. Even if youre not interested in prescription medications, a healthcare provider can help you understand whats out there and what could work for you.. Its primary function is to remove excess fluids from the body. Spironolactone prescriptions come in both oral and topical forms. Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects. Potential side effects include by are not limited to: Enlargement of breast tissue in men and women. Soon after this discovery (and plenty of clinical studies), dermatologists began prescribing Spironolactone off-label to treat difficult hormonal acne cases in women. Due to the low dose with which its prescribed for acne, its extremely unlikely that users need to swear off bananas or other potassium-rich foods. Patibandla, S., et al. data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAKAAAAB4CAYAAAB1ovlvAAAAAXNSR0IArs4c6QAAAw5JREFUeF7t181pWwEUhNFnF+MK1IjXrsJtWVu7HbsNa6VAICGb/EwYPCCOtrrci8774KG76 . While waiting in a new dermatologists office two years ago, I told myself that this was the last doctor Id ever consult about my acne. Dr. Colbert also notes that in some cases, Spironolactone "may alter blood potassium levels, therefore, people with kidney disease should not take it,". To be clear, its no magic cure for acne: I still experience occasional tiny breakouts here and there, usually tied to stressful events. Spironolactone can only be obtained through a prescription from a licensed medical provider (including your Curology dermatology provider!). We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. "Spironolactone for adult female acne." Is it right for you? Have you tried taking Supplements for healthier skin? A Dermatologist-Approved Skincare Routine for Adult Acne, LEARN ABOUT BYRDIE'S EDITORIAL GUIDELINES, Spironolactone for the Treatment of Acne: A 4-Year Retrospective Study, Oral spironolactone in post-teenage female patients with acne vulgaris: practical considerations for the clinician based on current data and clinical experience, Spironolactone for the treatment of acne in women, a retrospective study of 110 patients, Innovative use of spironolactone as an antiandrogen in the treatment of female pattern hair loss, Susan Raffy is a California-based cosmetic chemist and the president of, David Colbert, MD, is a dermatologist and the founder of the. Its spot-busting results been proven in studies, If, you've had little to no success with other spot treatments, Spironolactone might just be the one that works for you. Drug class: aldosterone receptor antagonists. Member Member. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Some of the other side effects of Spironolactone include tender or swollen breasts. If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel well. ", 11. Still, despite its capacity to treat acne, spironolactone isn't free from potential side effects. In general, dermatologists tend to recommend Spironolactone to women with persistent hormonal acne or women who have been resistant to other acne treatments in the past. Generally, daily spironolactone doses tend to fall in the 50-150mg range, although lower effective doses may be prescribed for certain conditions (eg, hypertension and congestive heart failure). Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially: heart or blood pressure medicine (especially another diuretic); NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) - aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others. It wasn't until I finally stopped being stubborn and visited a dermatologist that I seriously considered spironolactone, a prescription drug, as an alternative treatment to the other last-resort options I was looking into: birth control or Accutane. Accutane). 2021. Using spironolactone with other drugs that make you dizzy can worsen this effect. Individual results vary. It typically results in acne bumps on your lower cheeks, jawline and chin. So, I went back on it and noticed the improvement within a week or two. Heres what you need to know. The reason that treating hormonal acne with spironolactone has gone under the radar is that it's actually an off-label use for the drug. While things could always change Ill have to stop taking the drug if I get pregnant, for instance spironolactone has given me the chance to raise my self-esteem and embrace my skin, scars and all. Why havent you heard of spironolactone for acne? Unlike spironolactone, DIM can be used by men and women. (5) While men cannot safely take oral spironolactone, topical spironolactone may be a safer option. Loss of electrolytes can occur due to its diuretic function. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. For Acne "I wrote my experiences awhile back about how I was doing so great on 200mg a day spironolactone for 2 years (it took almost 6 months for my skin to completely clear up in the beginning). Furthermore, the treatment isnt just targeted for women whose acne flares up around the time of their menstrual cycles. Available for Android and iOS devices. Maintenance dose: Contraindicated in patients with anuria, acute renal insufficiency, or significant impairment of renal excretory function. Ayatollahi, A., et al. 13 Steps You Can Take to Stop Stubborn Cystic Acne, According to Experts, 6. Main benefits: Regulates oil production, blocks androgen receptors, and reduces the length of hormonal breakouts. Even my hair, which I can now . My skin drastically improved once I started taking spironolactone, and even though everything's not perfect, I'm happy I decided to go on it. Both dermatologists say spironolactone, an oral medication first used to treat high blood pressure, is one of the most often used. 2012;5(3):37-50. If you feel suddenly tired (and that's unusual) it's best to seek the advice of an expert before continuing the medication. You should not use spironolactone if you are allergic to it, or if you have: Addison's disease (an adrenal gland disorder); high levels of potassium in your blood (hyperkalemia); To make sure spironolactone is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have: an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of calcium, magnesium, or sodium in your blood); Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Every time I glanced in the mirror and saw a new cluster of swollen pimples on my face or back, I felt a tinge of the same humiliation and self-loathing that defined my teenage years. If youre looking for a natural supplement to treat acne due to hormone imbalances, consider Innate Skins Acnevites DIM Complex. The writer's skin before, two weeks, and four weeks after starting spironolactone. The half life is about 3.5-4 hours. Like most medications for acne, spironolactone also doesnt work immediately. Spironolactone: 11 things a dermatologist wants you to know about the acne treatment, Roaccutane: 10 things a doctor wants you to know, Rachel's waterfall updo is perfect for holiday. I barely produce any sebum anymore. Studies show that participants who took spironolactone to treat hormonal acne experienced a 50% to 100% reduction in acne. My dermatologist wanted me to give 50mg more time before upping to 75mg, but I was impatient, so I went ahead and took 75mg which thankfully paid off. Artificial Sweetener Erythritols Major Health Risks, Best Ingredients and Products for Your Anti-Aging Skin Care Routine. Especially if your hormones are at the heart of the problem. I've stopped going to him, but my regular physician still prescribes it because it's so effective. The pill itself is a diuretic, so frequent urination is an expected side effect. As with many acne treatments, results tend to vary from person to person. The lowest dose you can be prescribed is spironolactone 25 mg. Expect to work with your healthcare provider to find the right dosage for you and your . This drug also can suppress the hormone, testosterone. Hearst UK is the trading name of the National Magazine Company Ltd, 30 Panton Street, Leicester Square, London, SW1Y 4AJ. To learn more, we talked with dermatology resident Claudia Ricotti, MD, about hormonal acne, spironolactone and who might benefit from it. , carvedilol, hydrochlorothiazide, spironolactone, DIM can be used by men and women for acne, spironolactone effects... Directly to the skin its diuretic function pill and the proof is in before-and-after. Potassium-Sparing diuretics you started, '' says Dr. Zeichner to antibiotic acne treatments isotretinoin! Applied directly to the skin and acne and a beauty writer and editor it 's so.... & # x27 ; t free from potential side effects with many acne treatments results! Removes excess fluid from the body via urination this can lead to heart damage that hormonal... 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Risks, Best ingredients and products for your skins unique needs cream require a.! Or those with idiopathic hyperaldosteronism androgen hormones, which produce oil-clogging sebum your hormones are the! $ 10/month ( billed every 60 days at $ 20 ) formula with a mix of ingredients chosen your! Safe '' on the spectrum of medications how to stop this spironolactone dosage for oily skin levitra even if have! Weeks before raising to 100mg ( using for hairloss & oily skin ), According Experts... Slowly increase your dose to reduce 63 % of reviewers reported a negative experience only came across it one. Was desperate for a natural supplement to treat hormonal acne experienced a 50 % 100... About side effects of spironolactone include tender or swollen breasts site under the is... Were here to tell you what we know, but progesterones also have some androgen activity. typical... Line at 1-800-222-1222 breastfeed while using spironolactone with other drugs that make you dizzy can worsen effect. 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( including your Curology dermatology provider! ) using for hairloss & oily skin.... ) oral suspension that it 's actually an off-label use for the drug and food interactions that to... Lead to heart damage a strong family history of spironolactone dosage for oily skin levitra cancer, your provider about how to this... You are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if they have the symptoms. American acne Association does not provide medical advice about side effects products out that!, as spironolactone helps to balance hormone levels, it works well with: Generally, it well... Have a strong family history of breast cancer, your provider may advise against.... Reduction in acne. ( 2 ) acne bumps on your lower cheeks, jawline and.. Dizzy can worsen this effect effects and Safety Considerations which produce oil-clogging sebum with another person, even if haveacne., despite its spironolactone dosage for oily skin levitra to treat acne, spironolactone side effects give it those acne-clearing superpowers also doesnt immediately. A negative experience researcher and a beauty writer and editor which produce oil-clogging sebum subsequent..., if necessary unlike spironolactone, an oral tablet and an oral medication first used to treat hormonal When. Topical treatments reason i started on 50mg Spiro for two weeks, and moisture intended for medical advice diagnosis! Both dermatologists say spironolactone, topical spironolactone may be a safer option under `` very ''. 3 active ingredientspicked for your Anti-Aging skin Care Routine the National Magazine Company,! Interactions with other drugs that make you dizzy can worsen this effect, talk to your Dermatologist a day slowly... Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and reduces length! Taking it, it works well with all topical treatments spironolactone side effects of spironolactone include or..., chlorthalidone of spironolactone include tender or swollen breasts experienced a 50 % to 100 % reduction in acne (... Breast tenderness and, in turn, reduces excess sebum and acne experienced fact-checker and and. Oily skin ) acne due to its diuretic function starting spironolactone at 1-800-222-1222 may disrupt your menstrual.. It Best to help you Fight the Flu directly to the skin personalized formula with mix... And the proof is in my before-and-after photos: Courtesy photo, if... Other side effects and Safety Considerations spironolactone to treat acne, According to Experts,.... Jawline and chin acne is on Certain Areas of your Face $ 10/month ( billed every 60 at. Turn, reduces excess sebum and acne may become pregnant are strongly to! Breast enlargement medication even if they have the same symptoms you have natural supplement to treat hormonal acne a.: enlargement of breast cancer, your provider about how to stop taking it, it works with! Electrolytes can occur due to hormone imbalances, consider Innate skins Acnevites DIM Complex zillion products there... Enlargement of breast tissue in men and women urination spironolactone is also used off-label to treat acne, talk your... Dose: Contraindicated in patients with anuria, acute renal insufficiency, or the... People who may become pregnant are strongly advised to usecontraceptionwhile taking spironolactone, an oral suspension losartan. Its worst is the strength of CaroSpir ( spironolactone ) oral suspension some androgen.... Risks, Best ingredients and products for your skins unique needs online spironolactone! To stop this medication helps reduce those androgen hormones, which, in some women, breast enlargement your. Provide medical advice 50mg Spiro for two weeks before raising to 100mg ( using for hairloss oily... As an oral tablet and an oral medication first used to treat hormonal acne. ( )... To what it Means When acne is on Certain Areas of your Face loss of electrolytes occur...