“For women who take hormone replacement therapy that includes testosterone, treating acne in these situations can be an uphill battle.”. If you are receiving this combination drink plenty of water. By then, I … Acne can be frustrating and hard to get rid of. Besides, as published in a report in International Journal of Women’s Dermatology, the anti-androgynous effect of spironolactone can cause the feminization of the male fetus during early pregnancy. Although some medications can prevent hormones from causing increased acne in the first place Your acne can come back after taking spironolactone Spironolactone is not a cure-all pill and won't rid you of acne forever. If you have liver or kidney diseases (including hyperkalemia or Addison’s, among others), or diseases that may affect the kidneys (diabetes), spironolactone may cause severe complications. Also, you shouldn't get pregnant while taking this drug. Regular use of alcohol can also raise your blood pressure. While Spironolactone can cause drastic improvements in your skin, you won't get miraculous results overnight. I first started taking medication for my acne when I was fourteen. Spironolactone can lower blood pressure, making you light-headed or dizzy. There is 1 alcohol/food/lifestyle interaction with spironolactone: Spironolactone and ethanol may have additive effects in lowering your blood pressure. The instructions with the prescription say that you should avoid alcohol because it can increase certain side-effects. al., Cortisol Release From Adipose Tissue by 11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1 in Humans (2009), U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Aldactone - Spironolactone (2008), Young E., et.al., The Role of Mineralocorticoid Receptors in Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Regulation in Humans1 (1998), Published November 13, 2020 Updated November 13, 2020, Consult with a doctor virtually or in person. If something other than hormones is responsible for your blemishes, spironolactone won’t be an effective solution for you. Because it decreases androgen production, including testosterone and androstenedione, spironolactone is also prescribed to help control symptoms from PCOS including hirsutism (facial hair growth) and hair loss. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit. In a RealSelf Q&A, Dr. Paul says, “Both medications work well together to help control acne. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan. Notes for Professionals: Licorice extract, which contains glycyrrhizic acid, possesses aldosterone-like properties. How much water should I be drinking, and is there anything else I can do for my body to stay hydrated? stay hydrated, be smart. It’s important to drink a lot of water while taking the medication. There are 7 disease interactions with spironolactone which include: Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. These side effects are most likely to be seen at the beginning of treatment, following a dose increase, or when treatment is restarted after an interruption. Formal contraindications include sleeping pills, opioids, muscle relaxers, or prescriptions for anxiety, depression, or seizures. “I typically see results from spironolactone in two months, but it can take longer to get the full effect,” says Dr. Melissa Chiang, a Spring, Texas, dermatologic surgeon. It’s really at the discretion of your dermatologist, depending on how your skin reacts.”. Spironolactone blocks these androgens to reduce sebum and clogged pores. Minimally clinically significant. Unlike with Accutane, you will not need to undergo monthly blood tests while taking spironolactone. It can help reduce excess facial and body hair and improve the thickness … "Most women should expect it … If spironolactone for acne doesn’t sound like the right fit for you, that doesn’t mean you’re doomed to have hormonal acne forever. “Spironolactone temporarily pauses the effects of hormonal triggers. Everyday Health Birth control pills do not interact with spironolactone, so you aren’t at higher risk of pregnancy by taking both.” In fact, some doctors strongly recommend using some kind of birth control while taking spironolactone, if there’s a chance you could get pregnant. The drug works by minimizing the excess testosterone that can lead to breakouts, according to San Ramon, California dermatologist Dr. William Ting. Because spironolactone decreases testosterone, don’t take the drug if you identify as male. Let’s talk about what you should know if you … Yet, it does come with side effects and risks that can range from uncomfortable to serious. Spironolactone for acne Spironolactone for acne is a steroid treatment used in women. Because spironolactone is a diuretic, you may actually lose “water weight” while taking the drug. Spironolactone interacts with many prescribed medications (such as sulfa, It can elevate potassium levels, so you may need to monitor your consumption of high. Avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you, and use caution when getting up from a sitting or lying position. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. Let your doctor know if you develop these symptoms and they do not go away after a few days or they become troublesome. It's safest to avoid alcohol and recreational drugs while you're taking spironolactone, to avoid the possibility of injury from a fall. It also has a side effect of breast enlargement. When you do see results, you’ll need ongoing treatment. Learn more about our content standards. Let your doctor know if you experience any severe or unusual side effects while using this medicine. Be extra careful with alcohol when you first start taking spironolactone until you know how it will affect you. Spironolactone is FDA-approved for a variety of conditions, including the treatment of acne, and low doses are considered safe if you’re an appropriate candidate. Depending on the severity of your situation, your dermatologist might recommend one of these alternatives. Because spironolactone is a diuretic, it can … You may need to adjust the dosage. At high doses, it’s known to cause menstrual cycle irregularities. “Your dermatologist will adjust those, depending on how you do,” Dr. Ting says. i say this as i'm popping my 50 mg of evening spiro and drinking a beer :) I've gotten horribly hammered while taking spironolactone a number of times and never had any problems (except the usual hangovers! For a lot of women, acne does slowly become less noticeable, but for others, the hormonal triggers can unfortunately persist [despite the drug].”. It’s important to drink a lot of water while taking the medication. Spironolactone is an oral medication that is primarily used in medicine to treat heart failure and high blood pressure. Can you drink alcohol while taking prednisolone Can you drink alcohol while taking oxycodone Connect by text or video with a U.S. board-certified doctor now — wait time is … Prescriptions for acne are usually covered by health insurance. However, women younger than 45 years old do not need to have their serum potassium checked while taking spironolactone. By Megan Deem • Medical review by Peter J. Malouf, DO on September 2, 2020. Common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain or cramps, as well as dizziness. 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. If you’re a woman dealing with difficult acne, spironolactone may be a good option. “While it’s safe long term, I don’t put people on spironolactone for life since hormonal acne doesn’t last forever,” says Dr. Howe. Spironolactone treats only hormonal acne, not other forms of pimples. Your doctor can recommend a healthy amount of fluid to drink during treatment. The information on RealSelf is intended for educational purposes only. You might feel a little dizzy or lightheaded while taking spironolactone. My mom scheduled an appointment with my dermatologist the summer before I started high school. Spironolactone is believed to be effective against excess male hormones. Apart from that it also prevents fertilization i.e. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information -, Drug class: aldosterone receptor antagonists. If you’ve tried other topical and internal medications (like antibiotics and isotretinoin) and still have persistent acne, spironolactone can be added to your regimen or taken alone. I'm trying to drink as much water as possible. You may experience headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, and/or changes in pulse or heart rate. If you’ve suffered from hormonal acne, you know there's no easy fix.And yet, there's a supplement that's starting to garner attention for how well it … ). Because it's treating a medical condition, spironolactone is usually covered by health insurance. If you aren’t seeing enough change after the three-month mark, talk to your doctor. Another benefit to taking birth control pills: “They keep your cycle regular, so that minimizes one side effect of spironolactone for acne,” Dr. Ting says. Spironolactone can lower blood pressure, making you light-headed or dizzy. You may also be counseled on how to spot signs of hyperkalemia. When you've tried all other options for treating hormonal acne, spironolactone, a prescription drug, might be your solution. It is also sometimes used as part of feminizing hormone therapy in transgender women. “Spironolactone needs to be taken under the supervision of a dermatologist,” Dr. Ting says. This spironolactone is capable of affecting androgen levels in the fetus and lead to gender abnormalities similar to what was reported in the rat population. Spironolactone is an excellent medication for treating hormonal acne in females. Bowser A., Spironolactone for hormonal acne (2018), Ghelani R., Spironolactone (Aldactone): diuretic medicine used in heart failure (2019), Kim G. and Del Rosso J., Oral Spironolactone in Post-teenage Female Patients with Acne Vulgaris (2012), Plovanich M., Weng Q.Y., Mostaghimi A., Low Usefulness of Potassium Monitoring Among Healthy Young Women Taking Spironolactone for Acne, (2015), Stimson R., et. I've been on 25mg spironolactone for acne for about a month and I'm planning on donating blood in a couple days. If you do choose to drink, use caution and drink moderately. You may need dose adjustments or special tests in order to safely take both medications together. If you’re experiencing a medical issue, please contact a healthcare professional or dial 911 immediately. However, many people say they’ve actually gained weight from spironolactone. One of the main side effects of spironolactone is that your potassium levels can increase, resulting in muscle cramps or heart palpitations. However, you should meet with your dermatologist on a regular basis to monitor your progress. Unfortunately, at higher doses it can have side effects (including dizziness and lightheadedness). RealSelf can connect you with vetted lenders for financing options that fit your budget and timeline. Other side effects Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. While the drug has been used for more than three decades for PCOS, it comes with certain side effects. But don’t despair! However, your doctor may want you to avoid consuming too many high-potassium foods and beverages, such as sports drinks, bananas, kiwis, avocados, mangos, and coconut water. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor. Here are eight things you should know before you start taking spironolactone for hormonal acne, from the aforementioned side effects to how long … You may experience headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, and/or changes in pulse or heart rate. Unlike Roaccutane, which can ward off acne for good, hormonal acne is quite likely to come back if you stop taking spironolactone. I know this medication can be dangerous to your kidneys and has cancer potential for certain individuals as it is, so I want to be very careful. You run the risk of impotence, gynecomastia, and loss of libido. Spironolactone, also known as aldactone, is a diuretic drug used to treat hormonal acne, along with other conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. Taking benzonatate 100 mg for a cough, just wanted to know if it is safe to have a glass of wine while taking this. Drinking alcohol or taking narcotics while taking spironolactone can exacerbate the side effects and leave you dangerously lightheaded, to the point that you may faint when you stand. “Perhaps your topical medication will kick in nicely, allowing you to slowly come off spironolactone. This ultimately means that you’ll need to continue taking spironolactone for as long as you want it to work — which can definitely put some people off. Common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain or cramps, as well as dry mouth or excessive thirst. You should not use spironolactone 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. Contraindications include sleeping pills, opioids, muscle relaxers, or prescriptions for anxiety, depression, advice. 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