What are the side effects of Spironolactone for acne?

Doctor's Answers 2

Hi,

Spirolonolactone can be used for acne treatment but this is an off-label indication. It is mainly used as a diuretic and anti-hypertensive medication. It has anti-androgen effects which is helpful for treatment of women with hormonal acne.

Side effects of spirolonactone include elevation of the potassium levels and this may need to be monitored. It can also affect fetal development and it is important to avoid pregnancy while on the treatment. Other potential side effects include dizziness, breast discomfort and irregular menses.

If you do develop side effects from the treatment, do discuss this with your doctor. Depending on the side effects, your doctor can advise you if you need to discontinue with the treatment.

Hi,

Spirolonolactone can be used for acne treatment but this is an off-label indication. It is mainly used as a diuretic and anti-hypertensive medication. It has anti-androgen effects which is helpful for treatment of women with hormonal acne.

Side effects of spirolonactone include elevation of the potassium levels and this may need to be monitored. It can also affect fetal development and it is important to avoid pregnancy while on the treatment. Other potential side effects include dizziness, breast discomfort and irregular menses.

If you do develop side effects from the treatment, do discuss this with your doctor. Depending on the side effects, your doctor can advise you if you need to discontinue with the treatment.

Similar Questions

Should I go to an aesthetic clinic or the NSC for acne treatment in Singapore?

In a nutshell, I think that the single most important factor is that the doctor takes a genuine interest in you, and treating your condition. Other considerations are secondary. Of course, as Dr Winston pointed out, it’s very important that you’re compliant to the treatment regime as well.

Photo of Human

Answered By

Human

Is oral spironolactone effective for the treatment of acne?

Permanent solution? Roaccutane. Personally, I don’t subscribe to the scary effects that the internet and some doctors make it out as having, because there have been many good studies that show it is a very safe drug, if prescribed and managed appropriately. You can read this previous post about accutane in Singapore, and my personal experience with it. Having said that, spironolactone is also a very good choice in acne treatment for females, especially if you find that your acne is hormonal (happens cyclically, say around your periods), and occurs mostly at your jaw/chin/neck.

Photo of Human

Answered By

Human

Ask any health question for free

I’m not so sure about a procedure...

Ask Icon Ask a Question

Join Human

Sign up now for a free Human account to get answers from specialists in Singapore.

Sign Up

Get The Pill

Be healthier with our Bite-sized health news straight in your inbox