Even if you've tried nearly every skin-clearing product on the market, spironolactone for acne is one treatment that you may not have heard of. If you're a woman with adult acne, it's worth asking your doctor about this compound. Here are the must-know facts on spironolactone acne treatment.
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What It Is
Spironolactone, also known by its brand name, Aldactone, is actually a prescription diuretic. Its
FDA-approved uses include reducing edema and treating hypertension. That's a far cry from acne relief, but dermatologists have been prescribing spironolactone for acne for 30 years.
Acne treatment may be an off-label use of the drug, but that doesn't mean that it's not effective. Dosages of
25 to 200 mg of spironolactone per day have been shown to make a noticeable difference in the frequency and severity of breakouts for many women.
How It May Help
Androgens are hormones that both men and women have, but they're typically considered "male" hormones because they're associated with male characteristics like body hair. The most famous of the bunch is testosterone.
Androgens are linked to sebum production, and sebum production is linked to zits. Spironolactone works to block androgens. It won't counteract 100 percent of androgens, but it can deplete enough to make a marked skin difference for women.
Who It Is For
Spironolactone for acne is ideal for women with hormonal breakouts. Unlike the blackheads and whiteheads that typically plague teenagers, the type of pimples that spironolactone targets are the deep cystic nodules that come with women's adult hormonal acne. These bumps typically come and go with a woman's cycle and appear along the chin and jawline.
Know that spironolactone is not for pregnant women because it has been associated with birth defects. Be sure to use birth control while on it, and stop taking spironolactone before trying to become pregnant.
What to Know
Spironolactone for acne has the potential to cause side effects, some more troublesome than others. Some women report bloating. Others report enlarged breasts. Reduced body hair is another side effect and another off-label use.
It can also make your breasts more sensitive or throw off your menstrual cycle. More concerning for some women is the drug's diuretic properties. Because spironolactone affects potassium levels that are critical for a properly functioning heart, your doctor may instruct you to avoid high-potassium foods and get regular blood tests.
Know also that it usually takes some time for spironolactone to make a difference in your complexion. Three months is a pretty common time frame. You may still get the occasional pimple while using the drug. Fortunately, however, those renegade zits will likely be less intense and typically clear up more quickly than your pre-spironolactone acne did.
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