It isn't always effective when used on its own, but works well when used in conjunction with conventional acne treatment medications. Simply, Aldactone limits specific hormonal fluctuations that can contribute to acne breakouts. In addition, spironolactone is not FDA approved for any skin-related conditions, even though it has been used to treat acne for over 30 years now. But for those women who have hormonal acne, the drug can do a good job in helping to manage breakouts. It can be used to treat acne in women by targeting the hormonal causes of acne. It's not FDA-approved for acne, but can be especially helpful for women who have acne that gets worse around the time of menstruation.National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE.

Adult female acne is typically characterized by larger, painful and more cystic breakouts on the lower third of the face. What is spironolactone? Also, you shouldn't get pregnant while taking this drug. Both blood potassium levels and blood pressure should be checked periodically while you're taking this medication. Take your pill with a meal if it upsets your stomach. 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.
This is an acne treatment option for adult women only. If your breakouts only appear around the time of your monthly cycle, your dermatologist may have you use Aldactone for the week just prior to your period only. You Will Pee — A Lot. Aldactone is only available by prescription from your doctor. And make sure to drink plenty of water daily as Aldactone acts as a diuretic. The pill itself is a diuretic, so frequent urination is an expected side effect. His research has been published in the New England Journal of Medicine.Your Best-Bet Oral Medication Options for Stubborn AcneIs Salicylic Acid the Right Treatment for Your Acne?The 4 Different Types of Pimples (and How To Treat Them)How to Know If Onexton Is the Right Acne Treatment for YouIs Oral Minocycline the Right Acne Treatment for You?Get Info on the Different Types of Moderate Acne Treatment Options Our free guide provides expert tips to help you take control. Aldactone isn't a first-line treatment for acne, so your dermatologist will likely have you try the conventional acne medications first:

When using Aldactone as an acne treatment, the most common dosage is between 50 to 100 mg daily Because of the way Aldactone works, only women whose acne is greatly influenced by hormonal fluctuations will see results with this medication.

It can take three to four months before you really notice a big improvement in your skin. Side effects with low dose spironolactone aren't as common as with higher doses, but most often include: Angela Palmer is a licensed esthetician specializing in acne treatment. It can also be used in conjunction with other 1


This can help even out androgen spikes that might be triggering your acne. You'll probably continue using topical acne treatments while using Aldactone.

Aldactone is only effective against acne caused by hormonal fluctuations, for example, women who consistently Dealing with acne can be frustrating. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Read our Spironolactone (Aldactone) is a diuretic (a “water pill”), which means it is a drug that removes fluid from your body.

Women also tend to flare with their period or ovulation (mid-cycle). Aldactone is often prescribed along with oral contraceptives.

No matter what treatment plan your dermatologist creates for you, try to be patient while waiting for results. He is a clinical professor at the University of Colorado in Denver, and co-founder and practicing dermatologist at the Boulder Valley Center for Dermatology in Colorado.

This medication isn't used as ​a first line of defense against acne breakouts.

While it has not been approved by the U.S. FDA (Food and Drug Administration) to treat acne, doctors sometimes prescribe it for that purpose as well.This is called off-label prescribing, and it is a common practice with many medications. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the WebMD Site. Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Instead, it's taken orally. Sign up and get yours today. While these reviews might be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge and judgement of healthcare practitioners.