Spironolactone Information - what you need to know

Spironolactone is a medication that can be used to treat acne in females. It works by reducing the amount of oil your skin produces, which can help prevent pimples from forming.

How Does Spironolactone Work?

Spironolactone works by blocking the effects of androgens, which are hormones that include testosterone, in your body. Androgens play a role in stimulating the sebaceous glands in your skin to produce more oil, which can lead to the development of acne. By blocking the effects of androgens, spironolactone can help reduce the amount of oil your skin produces and prevent pimples from forming.

Spironolactone is often prescribed to women with acne who have high levels of androgens in their body, such as those with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In these women, excess androgens can cause other symptoms, such as irregular periods, hair growth on the face or body, and hair loss on the scalp. By blocking the effects of androgens, spironolactone can also help improve these other symptoms in addition to reducing acne.

How Do I Take Spironolactone?

Spironolactone is a pill that you take by mouth. You should take the pill after food. 

What Should I Expect While Using Spironolactone?

Most women find that their acne starts to improve after about 3 months of treatment. Spironolactone is very safe and serious side-effects are uncommon. You may feel some side-effects such as dizziness, spotting through your periods or breast tenderness. Uncommon side-effects include headaches, fatigue, lower sex drive and skin rashes. If these side-effects become severe, talk to your dermatologist. They may be able to adjust your dosage or switch you to a different medication.

What precautions should I take?

It's important to note that spironolactone should not be used during pregnancy or in women who are trying to become pregnant, as it can cause birth defects in male fetuses. Women taking spironolactone should use effective contraception to prevent pregnancy. 

Spironolactone can cause raised levels of potassium in your blood. This is more common in patients over 45 years and those with heart or kidney problems and in people who take other drugs that affect potassium levels. Please let your dermatologist know if this applies to you.

Conclusion: 

Spironolactone can be an effective and safe treatment for acne, but you will need to be patient while waiting for it to work. If you have any questions or concerns about spironolactone, talk to your dermatologist. They can help you decide if spironolactone is the right treatment for you.