Spironolactone for Acne Online

Spironolactone is prescribed to treat hormonal acne in women. Spironolactone is in a class of medications called aldosterone receptor antagonists. Acne is partially triggered by a change in hormones, specifically androgen hormones. Spironolactone works by reducing androgen hormones, which, in turn, reduces excess sebum, an oily substance in skin glands that causes acne.¹

Spironolactone comes as a tablet and suspension (liquid) (CaroSpir) to take by mouth in doses ranging from 25 mg to 200 mg per day. It usually is taken once or twice a day. Take spironolactone at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take spironolactone exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Your doctor may start you on a low dose of spironolactone and gradually increase your dose.
Only take the spironolactone product prescribed by your doctor and do not switch to a different spironolactone product unless your doctor says that you should. Do not stop taking spironolactone without talking to your doctor.

Most women will see a decrease in breakouts and oiliness within a few weeks of beginning treatment with oral spironolactone. But the majority of acne treatments take at least three months of consistent use to see improvement.²

Spironolactone requires a prescription and can be purchased online. Start a low-cost online consult for acne with RedBox Rx to see if spironolactone could be right for you.

Spironolactone starts at $25 per month for acne treatment with RedBox Rx, one of the lowest prices available. No insurance required.

Before taking spironolactone:

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to spironolactone, any other medications or any of the ingredients in spironolactone tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.

• Tell your doctor if you are taking eplerenone (Inspra). Your doctor may tell you not to take spironolactone if you are taking this medication.

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: aminoglycoside antibiotics such as amikacin, gentamicin, kanamycin, neomycin (NeoRx, Neo-Fradin), streptomycin or tobramycin (Tobi Podhaler); angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as benazepril (Lotensin, in Lotrel), captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), fosinopril, lisinopril (in Prinzide, in Zestoretic), moexipril (Univasc, in Uniretic), perindopril, (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril, in Accuretic, in Quinaretic), ramipril (Altace) or trandolapril (Mavik, in Tarka); angiotensin II antagonists (angiotensin receptor blockers; ARBs) such as azilsartan (Edarbi, in Edarbyclor), candesartan (Atacand, in Atacand HCT), eprosartan (Teveten, in Teveten HCT), irbesartan (Avapro, in Avalide), losartan (Cozaar, in Hyzaar), olmesartan (Benicar, in Azor, in Benicar HCT, in Tribenzor), telmisartan (Micardis, in Micardis HCT) or valsartan (Diovan, in Diovan HCT, in Exforge); aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), indomethacin (Indocin, Tivorbex)or naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn); barbiturates such as phenobarbital; cholestyramine (Prevalite); cisplatin; digoxin (Lanoxin); diuretics (water pills) including potassium-sparing diuretics such as amiloride (Midamor) or triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide); heparin or low-molecular-weight heparin enoxaparin (Lovenox); lithium (Lithobid); medications to treat high blood pressure; narcotic medications for pain; oral steroids such as dexamethasone, methylprednisolone (Medrol) or prednisone (Rayos); potassium supplements; or trimethoprim (Primsol, in Bactrim).

• Tell your doctor if you have Addison's disease or other conditions that may cause high blood levels of potassium or kidney disease. Your doctor may tell you not to take spironolactone.

• Tell your doctor if you have liver disease.

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking spironolactone, call your doctor.

• If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking spironolactone.

• You should know that drinking alcohol with this medication may cause dizziness, lightheadedness and fainting when you get up too quickly from a lying position. Talk to your doctor about drinking alcohol while you are taking spironolactone.
  

Follow your doctor's directions for your meals, including advice for a reduced-salt (sodium) diet and daily exercise program. Avoid potassium-containing salt substitutes while you are taking this medication. Talk with your doctor about the amount of potassium-rich foods (e.g., bananas, prunes, raisins and orange juice) that you may have in your diet.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

People who are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding shouldn’t take spironolactone due to the risk of serious birth defects. People who may become pregnant are strongly advised to use contraception while taking spironolactone. Because some oral birth control pills also treat acne, your provider may recommend using both spironolactone and an oral birth control pill together as a highly effective acne treatment while also preventing pregnancy.

Because of its effects on lowering testosterone and other androgen hormones, oral spironolactone usually isn’t recommended for people who identify as a man or in people who don’t desire lowered androgen hormone levels.

If you have a strong family history of breast cancer, your provider may advise against spironolactone.³

Spironolactone may cause side effects including:

• Vomiting.

• Diarrhea.

• Stomach pain or cramps.

• Enlarged or painful breasts in men or women.

• Irregular menstrual periods.

• Vaginal bleeding in post-menopausal women.

• Difficulty maintaining or achieving an erection.

• Deepening of voice.

• Increased hair growth on parts of the body.

• Drowsiness.

• Tiredness.

• Restlessness.
  

Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away.

Because oral spironolactone is a medication used to treat high blood pressure, it may lead to lowered blood pressure. Contact your health care provider immediately if you have symptoms of low blood pressure — such as dizziness or lightheadedness — while taking oral spironolactone.

Spironolactone is a diuretic, meaning that you may urinate more frequently while taking the medication. It is important to stay hydrated while on this medication and stop during times of significant dehydration (such as marathon training or other periods of intense physical activity).⁴

Keep this medicine in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location - one that is up and out of their sight and reach.

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community.

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222 or immediately call emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include the following:

• Drowsiness.

• Confusion.

• Rash.

• Nausea.

• Vomiting.

• Dizziness.

• Diarrhea.

• Tingling in arms and legs.

• Loss of muscle tone.

• Weakness or heaviness in legs.

• Irregular or slow heartbeat.

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking spironolactone.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all the prescription and nonprescription (over the counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

• Aldactone®

• Carospir®
  

1. Cleveland Clinic

2. Cleveland Clinic

3. Cleveland Clinic

4. Cleveland Clinic

View our telehealth and online pharmacy FAQs here.