How long do you stay on Spironolactone for acne?

Author: Deion Rice  |  Last update: Friday, September 5, 2025

You would require Spironolactone for as long as your acne is a problem. Most women will be on treatment for a year or two and some women may need treatment for several years. It is possible to reduce the dose and try without medication a year into treatment after the acne has been controlled fully.

Do you have to stay on spironolactone forever for acne?

Unlike Accutane, Spironolactone will only provide benefits while the patient is actively using it. Long-term use isn't dangerous; however, it is designed to only treat acne while active. Weaning off of Spironolactone does not mean all of your acne will come back, either.

How long should you be on spironolactone?

How long to take it for. Depending on the reason why you're taking spironolactone, you may have to take it for a long time, even for the rest of your life. Talk to your doctor if you want to stop taking spironolactone. If you stop it too soon, your condition may get worse.

What are the long-term effects of spironolactone for acne?

Common side effects of long-term use of spironolactone during treatment for acne include irregular menstruation, urinary frequency, dizziness, headaches, nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, and breast enlargement (Shaw and White, 2002).

Do you need to taper off spironolactone for acne?

8. YOUR ACNE CAN COME BACK The reality is that spironolactone only works when you're on it. If you do stop taking it, it's possible that your hormonal acne will come back. ``If you go off, then the effect of the body's hormones will go back to what it was before you started,'' says Dr. Zeichner.

How long does it take for Spironolactone to start making acne better?

Will acne return after stopping spironolactone?

Spironolactone only works while you are taking it. This means your acne may come back when you stop. Women may be on Spironolactone for 1 or 2 years or sometimes for several years. Spironolactone can cause side effects.

What is the best pill for hormonal acne?

Some of the best contraceptive pills for acne include Yasmin, Rigevidon and Cerelle, all of which contain hormones that can help to regulate and reduce the severity of acne. If you are experiencing severe hormonal acne, it is best to speak to your doctor about which type of contraception is best for you.

What is the success rate of spironolactone for acne?

Spironolactone helps reduce those androgen hormones, which, in turn, reduces excess sebum and acne. (Ta-da!) The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) states that spironolactone has been shown to reduce acne by 50% to 100%.

What cannot be mixed with spironolactone?

Do not take NSAIDs such as ibuprofen with spironolactone unless your doctor says it's OK. Some products to help symptoms of indigestion and urinary tract infections (UTIs) contain potassium, and may not be suitable while you're taking spironolactone.

How to clear adult hormonal acne?

How do I treat hormonal acne?
  1. Blackheads and whiteheads: Topical cream (tretinoin).
  2. Inflammatory acne: Topical retinoid and/or topical antibiotic and/or benzoyl peroxide.
  3. Moderate to severe acne: Antibiotic and/or isotretinoin (retinoid).
  4. Cystic acne: Steroid injection (intralesional triamcinolone).

When should spironolactone be stopped?

Spironolactone may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using spironolactone and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction. Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension) with Worsening Kidney Function.

How long has spironolactone been used for acne?

Background: Spironolactone has been used for over 20 years as an antiandrogen in the treatment of acne and hirsutism. No long-term studies of the safety of spironolactone used in this manner have been published.

Is spironolactone better than accutane?

Accutane can be an effective option for severe acne, while spironolactone may be helpful for hormonal acne. When choosing the best treatment for your acne, it's important to consider your acne type and severity. For example, spironolactone can be particularly helpful for hormonal acne.

What is a natural alternative to spironolactone for acne?

Saw Palmetto can also be used as a natural replacement for Spironolactone when prescribed for acne because it is a natural androgen reducer. Omega 3 fatty acids EPA and DHA have also been shown to be an effective hormonal acne treatment.

Does your skin purge on spironolactone?

Skin purging is not common on spironolactone, unlike retinoid therapy. The flipside is that you won't get outstanding results in the first few weeks. Most women should expect it to take around 12 weeks for the benefits to start showing.

What blood tests are done for acne?

Acne Panel, which typically includes tests like Lipid Profile, FSH, Prolactin, Testosterone Total, and Vitamin B12, is a diagnostic tool used to identify potential underlying hormonal imbalances or nutritional deficiencies that may contribute to acne.

What not to eat while on spironolactone?

Do not have low-sodium salt or salt substitutes, such as Lo-Salt, because they contain a lot of potassium. Using these with spironolactone can make your potassium levels too high. Try to limit other food and drink that contains a lot of potassium, including bananas, avocados, pulses, nuts and salmon.

Why is spironolactone banned?

Spironolactone is prohibited at all times by the World Anti-Doping Agency as a diuretic and masking agent because it will dilute a urine drug tests.

Can I drink caffeine on spironolactone?

Spironolactone and caffeine

Caffeine is a stimulant that may have a diuretic effect, similar to spironolactone. Consuming foods or beverages with caffeine could potentially increase spironolactone's effects on clearing water and salt from the body.

How do I know if my acne is hormonal?

Hormonal acne symptoms

These can appear along the jawline, or on the chest and back. The skin will be bumpy, congested, and present with an overall dull appearance. In women, outbreaks may occur during around certain times of the month, such as when the menstrual cycle is due.

Is doxycycline better than spironolactone for acne?

Spironolactone was 1.37-times and 2.87-times more successful compared with doxycycline at respective time-points. AFAST and ECLA scores, as well as lesion counts always improved more with spironolactone. Patients' quality of life was better with spironolactone at month 4 and month 6.

Can you stop spironolactone cold turkey?

Stopping this medication suddenly won't cause withdrawal symptoms. But when you stop taking spironolactone it will quickly stop working to manage your condition. As a result: your blood pressure may increase.

What is the number one treatment for hormonal acne?

Spironolactone is the most common treatment for hormonal acne that is provided by Dermatologists.

Is 50 mg of spironolactone enough for acne?

Mahar says that in some cases, a 25 mg dose of spironolactone may be sufficient to treat acne, but typically the starting dose is usually 50 mg. If this isn't effective, the dose may be gradually increased by a healthcare provider.

What is the strongest acne medication?

Isotretinoin. Isotretinoin is a treatment for severe acne that comes in capsules. It has a number of beneficial effects: it helps normalise sebum and reduce how much is produced.

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