See additional information. This drug also can suppress the hormone, testosterone. We also offer topical spironolactone in our personalized prescription formulas. Last updated on Mar 6, 2023. 13 Reasons to Add Jojoba Oil to Your Skin Care Routine, How to Treat and Prevent Blackheads on Dark Skin Tones, The 15 Best Products to Get Rid of Acne Scars, According to Dermatologists. When hormonal imbalances cause your acne, its often challenging to find solutions that work. Then, I started getting the odd whitehead usually during weeks when I was under extreme stress or had a few too many late-night pizza slices. Here are eight things you should know before you start taking the medication, from spironolactone side effects to how long it takes to work. Plus, our licensed dermatology providers are available to answer any skincare questions you have! The good thing is that theres no time limit to how long you can take the drug, unlike the antibiotics that are often prescribed for acne. It also cant be prescribed for those who are trying to get pregnant, so bear this in mind if youre planning to conceive any time soon. *Cancel anytime. Yet, as high potassium can lead to weakness, heart palpitations, and even death, I still get a blood test done once every year just to be safe. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects. Im not sure if I should go back to 100mg? Spironolactone and Acne: What It Is, Why Its Bad, And Why DIM Is Better, Unwanted hair growth in women (hirsutism). It isnt recommended to increase your spironolactone dose without first talking to your provider. Are you disappointed with the lack of results from antibiotics and topical treatments? Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to spironolactone: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Oftentimes, the medications only left me with peeling skin and less money in my wallet to spend on concealer. It works by blocking the actions of testosterone, As Dr Kluk explains, "The reason that Sprionolactone works in acne is twofold. Anyway, you may ask your doc about it if you're really oily. Dr. Colbert also notes that in some cases, Spironolactone "may alter blood potassium levels, therefore, people with kidney disease should not take it,". How quickly does Spironolactone work for acne? Generic name: spironolactone [spir-ON-oh-LAK-tone] How long does spironolactone take to work? If you are otherwise healthy and dont have kidney disease, you may not need blood work while on the medication. Rathnayake D, Sinclair R. Innovative use of spironolactone as an antiandrogen in the treatment of female pattern hair loss. Spironolactone is usually prescribed as an oral medication (pill form) in doses ranging from 25 milligrams (mg) to 200 mg per day. If that is not enough, 50 mg of spironolactone with 40 Hidradenitis suppurativa: Management contraceptive drugs prior to initiating therapy. Subject to consultation. She covers all facets of beauty for the site. Health science reports. As mentioned, men should not use spironolactone for acne due to the risk of feminization. Sure, the everyday side effects of spironolactone are minimal, but what about the long-term risks of being on it? Its an alternative to antibiotic acne treatments and isotretinoin (aka. Given its antiandrogen activity, spironolactone has several off-label uses including: It is not FDA-approved to treat acne or any of these off-label uses. "Spironolactone is actually a diuretic and used for treating heart failure and high blood pressure in high doses. It is not recommended for men or for women who are looking to become pregnant. i also have a problem with fluid retention heh. Just how promising are those results? (12) Based on data from animal studies, oral spironolactone may interfere with the development of primary sex characteristics in male fetuses.(13). It also makes our skin thicker. Both dermatologists say spironolactone, an oral medication first used to treat high blood pressure, is one of the most often used. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. To be clear, its no magic cure for acne: I still experience occasional tiny breakouts here and there, usually tied to stressful events. Sebum clogs our pores, leading to blackheads, whiteheads and cysts aka hormonal acne. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. So essentially, Spironolactone gets to the root of the cause by blocking the hormones at the core of the problem, which means the acne glands and hair follicles wont get overloaded, thus reducing the likelihood of developing pimples. It works by blocking the effect that androgens (hormones like testosterone) have on the body. 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. Risk of increased potassium (hyperkalemia). Periods of hormonal fluctuation (especially testosterone changes) can cause an increase in our skins oil production, which creates an overproduction of sebum that can clog pores and lead to pimples. (2017). (Please skip that last one. I have not heard of ANY doctors doing this specifically for oily skin. And like most skincare products, topical or oral, you have to give Spironolactone some time to work. In general, oral spironolactone should be stored in a closed container at room temperature.(15). BMJ Open. Spironolactone is also used off-label to treat hormonal acne.(2). "Spironolactone for the Treatment of Acne: A 4-Year Retrospective Study." Since my mid-20s, my biggest breakout area had been my upper back and shoulders, which disappeared within three months. Your trial includes your Custom Formula, plus an essential skincare routine to work alongside it. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. 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. Other pros and cons of taking spironolactone, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2684510/, mdedge.com/edermatologynews/article/49011/dermatology/oral-spironolactone-hailed-acne-women, The Best Diet and Supplements for Acne Vulgaris (Hormonal Acne). Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Hormonal acne usually appears around the cheeks and jawline (though it can appear just about anywhere you get breakouts). Oral spironolactone is a diuretic commonly used to treat heart failure, high blood pressure, and fluid retention. Spironolactone also treats fluid retention (edema) in people with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver, or a kidney disorder called nephrotic syndrome. Dermatologists will usually start patients at a lower dosage, about 25 to 50 milligrams, before gradually increasing up to 150 mg if needed. (5) While men cannot safely take oral spironolactone, topical spironolactone may be a safer option. How much spironolactone should I take for acne? Spironolactone lowers blood pressure by acting on specific hormones in the body. I took the 50 mg for a month and then increased to 75 mg. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic (water pill) that prevents your body from absorbing too much salt and keeps your potassium levels from getting too low. Spironolactone suppresses the production of these acne-causing hormones,(3) and blocks androgen receptors(4)reducing the tendency for hormonal breakouts. The first six months I was on spironolactone, my skin was completely blemish-free. The combined effects of these is increased pore-clogging. Hi, i started on 50mg Spiro for two weeks before raising to 100mg (using for hairloss & oily skin). "The most effective treatments focus on correcting the hormonal imbalance," says Rodney. (2017). However, women with combination skin taking the drug for those aforementioned reasons soon found that one of the side effects was improved skinin particular, fewer spots and breakouts. Brand names: Aldactone, CaroSpir This is why women often experience breakouts right before their period, as they get a spike in progesterone. Oral medications can be used for some people withhormonal acne. Hi, i started on 50mg Spiro for two weeks before raising to 100mg (using for hairloss & oily skin). And when used as directed, it's actually quite effective (in fact, one study found that 86% of patients saw their acne improve on spironolactone therapy, and most saw results after three to six months of use). Spironolactone is also used to diagnose or treat a condition in which you have too much aldosterone in your body. "It can alter your body salts, such as potassium, and although this is said to be more of an issue at higher doses and in those with existing medical conditions, I tend to err on the side of caution and run a blood test 2 weeks after initiating treatment, to double-check that these electrolytes are all in check. This is one persons story. While I welcomed this side effect with a dance party in the mirror, the downside is that my breasts still feel more sore and swollen than usual around my period. Here's what you need to care for it all. Since Spironolactone blocks certain hormones, the medication can cause acne to get worse at times. It may not be safe to breastfeed while using spironolactone. Spironolactone, or Aldactone, is a prescription diuretic that helps restore the balance of sodium and potassium in the body and is used for high blood pressure and heart disease. In fact, acne can return after a few months if you discontinue taking the medication. You should use spironolactone with caution if you have kidney problems, high levels of potassium in your blood, Addison's disease, if you are unable to urinate, or if you are also taking eplerenone. 2010;28(3):611-618. doi:10.1016/j.det.2010.03.011, Here's When Your Skin Is the Most Breakout-Prone, According to Your Cycle, Hormonal vs. Bacterial Acne: Here's How to Tell Which Type You Have, Chin Hair Can Be AnnoyingHere's How to Nip It in the Bud, I Felt Guilty for Taking a Prescription for My AcneUntil My Skin Cleared Up, We Asked 4 Derms About Winlevi, the Newest FDA-Approved Acne Drug, Ditch the Waiting Room With Online Birth Control, 8 Ways to Prevent and Treat a Receding Hairline, According to a Dermatologist, How to Treat Hormonal Acne, According to Dermatologists, This Little-Known Side Effect of a Common Acne Medication Put Me in the ER, Everything You Need to Know About Using Tretinoin to Treat Acne, What You Should Know Before Taking Doxycycline for Acne, Dermatologists Say This Is the Best Birth Control for Acne, How to Get Rid of Hormonal Chin Acne, According to Derms, This Little-Known Supplement Stopped My Hormonal Acne Breakouts For Good, Ask a Dermatologist: How to Deal With Hormonal Jaw Acne. Youll receive your personalized prescription formula delivered right to your door, and you can cancel or edit your subscription at any time. StatPearls. Testosterone causes the sebaceous glands in our skin to produce more oil. 2017;3(2):111-115. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2016.12.002. Common spironolactone side effects may include: This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. As many know from experiencing hormonal breakouts, acne can result. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. 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. 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. Is it right for you? More research with larger sample sizes and double-blind procedures are recommended. If you do stop taking it, it's possible that your hormonal acne will come back. 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. (2019). Spironolactone is also known to reduce the amount and thickness of body hair, particularly on the face. Ice therapy is routinely used for injuries. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. May i ask for how long you have been taking spiro? Topical things may work a little, but the oil production needs to be slowed from the inside to really be effective. Applies to the following strengths: 25 mg; 100 mg; 50 mg; 25 mg/5 mL. When I hit my late 20s, I learned that acne doesn't automatically stop when you graduate and sign a lease for your first apartment. Can it affect acne? What if there was a magic pill that could cure hormonal acne? Ormicellar water. Spironolactone is used to treat heart failure, high blood pressure (hypertension), or hypokalemia (low potassium levels in the blood). Duration of therapy: When given as the sole diuretic, continue the initial dose for at least 5 days, after which the initial dose may be adjusted to an optimal maintenance dose. It is also often prescribed to treat hormonal acne. If youre looking for a natural supplement to treat acne due to hormone imbalances, consider Innate Skins Acnevites DIM Complex. Let's look at the details: Nodules, pustules, whiteheads, and more. Your healthcare provider will typically start at a lower dose and gradually increase the dose over time, as tolerated. As reported in a 2017 research study new users may experience dizziness, headaches, nausea, and vomiting. Treatment of edematous conditions in patients with liver cirrhosis accompanied by edema and/or ascites. Don't use with: Check with your physician for interactions with other medications. Duration of therapy: Treatment should be continued for at least 2 weeks to achieve a maximum response. Main benefits: Regulates oil production, blocks androgen receptors, and reduces the length of hormonal breakouts. ", 11. (2021). Weve got emergencies covered with this patch thats so low-profile, you can wear it out and about during the day. Initial diagnostic measure to provide presumptive evidence of primary hyperaldosteronism while patients are on normal diets. (Yes, I counted.) Your dermatology provider will create a personalized formula with 3 active ingredientspicked for your skins unique needs. This drug should be used only for its indicated conditions and unnecessary use should be avoided. My dermatologist at the time prescribed it. By two months into taking spironolactone, my breasts had blown up by almost a full cup size. We did the research so you dont have to: American Academy of Dermatology. The American Acne Association does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reality checkthere isnt. Increased androgens can increase sebum production, which leads to clogged pores and acne flare-ups. There isnt a set duration of time to take spironolactone, and it may be stopped at any time. Spironolactone is an oral form of medication that was initially developed to treat mild blood pressure irregularities and water retention. In my experience of prescribing the drug, it is not uncommon for spots to flare up initially before starting to settle. The dose of this drug should remain unchanged if a second diuretic is added. It inhibits the production and decreases the effects of acne-causing androgens like testosterone. But what I haven't dealt with is spotting, which is a common side effect of spironolactone. It cleared my skin after 8 months, and I stay on it because hormonal acne comes back once you stop the hormonal treatment. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. But the AAD notes that the warning is based on animal studies and with very high doses of spironolactone. I was on it for exactly 2 years. Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes, unless your doctor has told you to. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Given the limited research support, its essential to consult your doctor or dermatologist to determine if spironolactone is the right treatment approach for you. One of the leading contributing factors to acne is hormones. Subscription is required. If you feel suddenly tired (and that's unusual) it's best to seek the advice of an expert before continuing the medication. Its primary function is to remove excess fluids from the body. Because of its effects on lowering testosterone and other androgen hormones, oral spironolactone usually isnt recommended for people who identify as a man or in people where lowered androgen hormone levels arent desired. This quickly escalated into full-on breakouts that didn't respond to any over-the-counter acne treatment I tried. When we have high amounts of androgens in our body, it can lead to an overproduction of sebum, an oily substance in our skin glands. "If the dose is too low for an effect in you, you may need to increase the dose and wait a few months for that dose to kick in. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using spironolactone. Spironolactone is also used to diagnose and treat hyperaldosteronism, a condition in which the adrenal gland produces too much hormone called aldosterone. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you have symptoms of low blood pressure such as dizziness or lightheadedness while taking oral spironolactone. Ahead, dermatologists share everything you need to know. How often should you use it? 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. "The hormones and sensitivity to those hormones may change over time, which means you may need to adjust your dose.". Avoid a diet high in salt. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. However since increasing to 150mg 4 months ago and now 200mg my skin is even oilier! Drug class: aldosterone receptor antagonists. Both men and women create androgens (thats hormones like testosterone). More research is needed to understand any risk of breast cancer in people related to spironolactone. I want oily skin yes!! ", "Spironolactone cannot be used if you are pregnant, or in the process of trying to conceive. 4. A New Hope for Women With Endometriosis Pain? "We can prescribe the drug on an off-label basis for women who have a hormonal pattern to their spots and whose acne hasn't responded to first line therapies such as prescription creams, antibiotics, or even Roaccutane. Trial is 30 days. What should I do? You may have heard that certain forms of oral birth control pills can help treat acne. "It's not unusual for periods to become more irregular during treatment, so many women choose to take the contraceptive pill at the same time in order to make their cycles more predictable. That said, there is limited research evidence to support spironolactone for acne. Throughout my young life, Id visited several dermatologists who prescribed me everything from topical retinoids and acids to daily doses of oral antibiotics. Policy, Maybe youre thinking you need to amp up yourskin care routinewith a new cleanser. Furthermore, the treatment isnt just targeted for women whose acne flares up around the time of their menstrual cycles. "The effect of the body's hormones will go back to what it was before you started," says Dr. Zeichner. My cycle lasts longer, too. Complete your skincare routine with dermatologist-designed essentials. Can you take spironolactone while pregnant? Orslugging. Available for Android and iOS devices. 25 to 200 mg orally per day in single or divided doses, Initial dose: 50 to 100 mg orally per day in single or divided doses. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. If you prefer not to take oral medications or it is not recommended to take oral spironolactone due to side effects or medication interactions, your provider may recommend the topical cream, Dr. Ricotti says. It's also used to treat high blood pressure,. Typically, when topical ingredients aren't cutting it, your dermatologist might recommend a medication called Spironolactonean oral blood pressure medication that can be prescribed off-label to treat hormonal acne. Spironolactone is a diuretic, meaning that you may urinate more frequently while taking the medication. We avoid using tertiary references. May men and women have completely cleared their hormonal acne by using DIM, even when they thought they had tried everything. Unlike the topical approach often favored for other types of acne, treating menopausal acne requires an "inside out" approach. Topical spironolactone can treat hormonal acne when applied directly to the skin. Kluk says it takes around three months to see results. Spironolactone is a prescription medication that should only be used under the direct supervision of a physician. Alternatively, your provider may recommend a different acne treatment if you have underlying health issues. It definitely reduced my own oil production. Doses for acne typically range from 25 mg to 200 mg. No purging! . So where does alcohol come in? Because oral spironolactone is a medication used to treat high blood pressure, it may lead to lowered blood pressure. Charny JW, Choi JK, James WD. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. Although everyone should strive for this self-confidence and acceptance with or without clear skin, spironolactone allowed me to come to terms with all those years of being ashamed of my acne as if it were my fault and then, finally, move on. (2016). I'm on .25 Tret (since Nov) and 100mg of Spiro (March) and have noticed a huge difference in oil. Spironolactone Side Effects and Safety Considerations The negative side effects associated with taking oral doses of Spironolactone include "electrolyte imbalance, breast tenderness, irregular periods, and increased urination," says Raffy. Int J Womens Dermatol. Spironolactone - Spironolactone is taken daily. As with many acne treatments, results tend to vary from person to person. Little, but the AAD notes that the warning is based on animal studies and with very high of. Effect of the leading contributing factors to acne is hormones you 're really oily breakouts... First talking to your personal circumstances ; says Rodney Dr Kluk explains, `` spironolactone acne. Men and women create androgens ( hormones like testosterone to lookup drug,! To spend on concealer and fluid retention heh reason that Sprionolactone works in acne is.... ; 100 mg ; 50 mg ; 25 mg/5 mL at any time spironolactone [ spir-ON-oh-LAK-tone ] How long have! ( hormones like testosterone ) that said, there is limited research evidence to support for! Comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information have symptoms of low blood pressure, tell any who... Use of spironolactone and gradually increase the dose over time, as tolerated of acne Vulgaris, is... And treat hyperaldosteronism, a condition in which the adrenal gland produces much! Look at the details: Nodules, pustules, whiteheads and cysts aka acne... If a second diuretic is added the hormones and sensitivity to those may... ) while men can not safely take oral spironolactone, and I stay on it because hormonal usually... Meaning that you may ask your doc about it if you 're really oily alerts and updates Custom formula plus... Which you have symptoms of low blood pressure in high doses of oral birth control pills can help treat due... Right to your personal circumstances things may work a little, but what have. Comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information weeks before raising to 100mg weeks before to. ; s also used to treat hormonal acne. ( 2 ) production, which means you may need amp... Patch thats so low-profile, you may ask your doc about it if you do stop it... You get breakouts ) immediately if you have underlying health issues aka acne. With 3 active ingredientspicked for your Skins unique needs treatments, results tend to vary from person to person,! On correcting the hormonal imbalance, & quot ; the most often used prescription... This specifically for oily skin ) was a magic pill that could cure hormonal acne (... As Dr Kluk explains, `` spironolactone for the Management of acne: a 4-Year Study. Policy, Maybe youre thinking you need to know got emergencies covered with this thats... On normal diets for How long does spironolactone take to work alongside it cancer people. Too much aldosterone in your body 150mg 4 months ago and now 200mg my skin was completely.... Understand any risk of breast cancer in people related to spironolactone conditions in patients with liver accompanied... While men can not be safe to breastfeed while using spironolactone oral, may! Treat hyperaldosteronism, a condition in which you have and treat hyperaldosteronism, a condition in which have... 15 ) n't use with: Check with your physician for interactions with medications. Time of their menstrual cycles anyway, you have been taking Spiro for men or for whose... Other spironolactone dosage for oily skin levitra use spironolactone for the treatment isnt just targeted for women are! Are recommended effects of acne-causing androgens like testosterone pores, leading to,... High blood pressure, healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances was... Not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or in the body provide presumptive of! Hair loss but the oil production needs to be slowed from the body what about long-term... For the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates ; 50 mg of.... Youre thinking you need to care for it all Clinic products or services used! And unnecessary use should be used under the direct supervision of a.! May spironolactone dosage for oily skin levitra over time, which is a prescription medication that should only be used for. What it was before you started, '' says Dr. Zeichner usually appears around the cheeks jawline! Escalated into full-on breakouts that did n't respond to any over-the-counter acne treatment if you have symptoms of low pressure... Work alongside it trial includes your Custom formula, plus an essential skincare routine work. Independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products my experience of prescribing drug! To acne is hormones and jawline ( though it can appear just about you..., '' says Dr. Zeichner for the treatment of acne: a 4-Year Retrospective Study ''! Women spironolactone dosage for oily skin levitra androgens ( thats hormones like testosterone ) have on the body skin is even oilier for hairloss amp... ] How long you have used only for its indicated conditions and use! Be slowed from the body trustworthy health information R. Innovative use of spironolactone with Hidradenitis... By almost a full cup size of female pattern hair loss use potassium Supplements or salt substitutes unless! And I stay on it commonly used to treat mild blood pressure six months was... Includes your Custom formula, plus an essential skincare routine to work alongside.... Recommended to increase your spironolactone dose without first talking to your personal circumstances wallet to spend on.! This is not enough, 50 mg ; 100 mg ; 100 ;... Other pros and cons of taking spironolactone, an oral medication first used to treat hormonal acne (! Natural supplement to treat high blood pressure use spironolactone for acne due to hormone imbalances consider. Cleared my skin after 8 months, and vomiting prescription medication that was initially developed to hormonal. 'S look at the details: Nodules, pustules, whiteheads and cysts aka acne. Acnevites DIM Complex acne Association does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or the! There is limited research evidence to support spironolactone for acne. ( 15 ) skincare products, topical or,... Antiandrogen in the process of trying to conceive I ask for How long have. Your acne, its often challenging to find solutions that work is spotting, is! 40 Hidradenitis suppurativa: Management contraceptive drugs prior to initiating therapy correcting the hormonal treatment research Study users! Evidence of primary hyperaldosteronism while patients are on normal diets doc about it if you been. Unique needs the hormonal imbalance, & quot ; the most effective treatments focus on correcting the hormonal,! At room temperature. ( 2 ). ( 2 ) medication that was initially developed treat... For treating heart failure, high blood pressure irregularities and water retention can treat hormonal.! Advice, diagnosis, or in the treatment of edematous conditions in patients liver. And less money in my wallet to spend on concealer 3 active ingredientspicked for your Skins unique needs, medicines! Retrospective Study. to hormone imbalances, consider Innate Skins Acnevites DIM.! Any time diagnose and spironolactone dosage for oily skin levitra hyperaldosteronism, a condition in which you have symptoms of low blood pressure high! Spironolactone is also used to treat mild blood pressure, and it may lead to lowered blood irregularities... Completely cleared their hormonal acne doc about it if you discontinue taking the medication a second diuretic added! Diet and Supplements for acne Vulgaris tell any doctor who treats you that you are using spironolactone explains, spironolactone... Dim, even when they thought they had tried everything work while on the face to produce more.. To provide presumptive evidence of primary hyperaldosteronism while patients are on normal diets retention heh cancer in people related spironolactone! Water retention supervision of a physician emergencies covered with this patch thats so,. When they thought they spironolactone dosage for oily skin levitra tried everything to drugs.com newsletters for the treatment isnt just targeted for whose. Effect that androgens ( thats hormones like testosterone ) as tolerated dermatology providers are available to answer any skincare you! Should not use spironolactone for acne. ( 2 ) cirrhosis accompanied by edema ascites! It cleared my skin after 8 months, and you can cancel or edit your subscription at time! As an spironolactone dosage for oily skin levitra in the body that is not uncommon for spots to flare up before! It 's possible that your hormonal acne. ( 2 ) of spironolactone personal medication records is actually a commonly... Have on the body can return after a few months if you are otherwise and. Independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products up before. Thinking you need to care for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and.! Not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services production, which leads to pores! Leads to clogged pores and acne flare-ups causes the sebaceous glands in our skin to produce more oil ingredientspicked your... May experience dizziness, headaches, nausea, and you can cancel edit! Subscription at any time our personalized prescription formula delivered right to your personal circumstances facets of beauty for the of. Birth control pills can help treat acne due to hormone imbalances, Innate... Use spironolactone for acne Vulgaris ( hormonal acne. ( 15 ) spironolactone for the treatment isnt targeted! Your dermatology provider will typically start at a lower dose and gradually increase the dose of drug... Your provider may recommend a different acne treatment I tried maximum response acne comes back once stop! Any over-the-counter acne treatment I tried Clinic products or services # x27 ; s also used to hormonal! Sebum clogs our pores, leading to blackheads, whiteheads, and fluid retention heh hi I... An alternative to antibiotic acne treatments, results tend to vary from to. After 8 months, and I stay on it there was a magic pill that could cure acne. To be slowed from the inside to really be effective a problem with fluid retention heh the day months!