Why am I still breaking out on spironolactone?
The reason spironolactone is still fairly unheard of by acne sufferers is likely due to its main use: treating high blood pressure and heart failure. While I’d taken the birth control pill since I was a teenager in an effort to combat period-induced breakouts, spironolactone works a bit more aggressively.
How do I know if spironolactone is working for acne?
You may not see results from spironolactone right away. Most people start to see less breakouts and oily skin within a few weeks, but your response to the medication may be different. Studies have also found that people tend to get more of a benefit from the medication the longer they take it.
Does spironolactone cause low aldosterone?
Spironolactone inhibits the action of aldosterone by binding to specific receptors in the kidney where aldosterone controls the balance of salt and water in the body. Blocking aldosterone increases the excretion of sodium and other salts through the kidney into the urine.
How long do you stay on spironolactone for acne?
Most women find that their acne starts to improve after about 3 months of treatment. Hair complaints take longer, and treatment usually needs to be continued for up to six months before the benefit can be seen.
How effective is spironolactone for acne?
Studies have also shown spironolactone to be effective. Improvement ranges from a 50% to 100% reduction in acne. Before taking spironolactone, it’s important to know that this medication is a diuretic, so you’ll find yourself urinating more often. If this could be a problem, let your dermatologist know.
Does 25 mg spironolactone work for acne?
Spironolactone will help with acne on the face, back, and chest. The majority of sides effects associated with spironolactone are dose dependent; low-dose therapy (25–50 mg daily) generally is well tolerated, and even 100 mg daily is not problematic in most cases.
How does spironolactone affect aldosterone levels?
Spironolactone, an aldosterone receptor antagonist, can raise plasma renin levels. K-wasting diuretics (Non-K-sparing diuretics, such as thiazides, induce renal potassium losses and reduce plasma potassium concentrations, leading to decreased aldosterone secretion.)
What are the long term side effects of spironolactone?
The most common side effects of spironolactone are:
- Breast enlargement or swelling (gynecomastia)
- Elevated potassium levels in the blood (hyperkalemia)
- Decreased sexual drive.
- Erectile dysfunction.
- Breast pain.
- Menstrual irregularities.
- Dehydration.
- Electrolyte disturbances.
Is 75 mg of spironolactone enough for acne?
Can I take 200 mg of spironolactone?
Dosage for swelling (edema) from nephrotic syndrome and liver disease. The typical starting dosage is 100 mg taken by mouth each day. It’s given as a single dose or split into two doses. Some people may take as little as 25 mg per day or as much as 200 mg per day.
How is spironolactone used to treat acne in women?
Spironolactone is a pill that’s traditionally used as a blood pressure medicine, but it’s becoming more and more popular for its use as a hormonal acne treatment for women. “Spironolactone is a high blood pressure medication used off-label at low doses to treat acne — that means it is…
Are there any side effects to taking spironolactone?
The same is true for any other serious side effects, such as severe stomach pain or heart palpitations. For most women, however, spironolactone should lead to clearer skin and not further breakouts. Spironolactone is a powerful medication that may help reduce moderate or severe hormonal acne breakouts.
How is Aldactone used to treat acne in women?
Spironolactone (Aldactone) is a diuretic (a “water pill”), which means it is a drug that removes fluid from your body. It can be used to treat acne in women by targeting the hormonal causes of acne.
Can you use spironolactone with oral contraceptives?
Your provider may recommend that you combine spironolactone with other acne treatments, such as oral contraceptive pills, so they can work together to fight your acne, giving you better results than you could with either treatment by itself. How long do I need to be on it?