Treatment for Adult Acne – Spironolactone
Adult acne has physical as well as emotional ramifications and yet an effective treatment can remain elusive for some. If you are an adult woman with chronic acne, you may benefit from Spironolactone as a treatment for adult acne. This treatment is not a general acne therapy but used only to treat adult hormonal acne. To determine whether your acne is hormonal and could benefit from Spironolactone, you will first need to speak with your dermatologist.
Hormonal Acne
Spironolactone, or Aldactone, is an anti-androgen drug. Originally used to treat heart disease because of the drug’s diuretic effects, the androgen-blocking properties of Spironolactone make it an effective treatment for adult acne in women. Since androgens have been implicated as a cause for female adult acne, many women suffering from acne have benefitted from taking this drug.
As a general rule, you can expect to see results in two to four months after you begin taking Spironolactone. Success with this therapy can also be amplified by combining treatment with the birth control pill which can also used to regulate hormonal acne. Any lack of results with this treatment may indicate that hormones were not the cause of acne in the woman taking it.
Risk Factors
Treatment for adult acne using Spironolactone is usually prescribed at a dosage of 25mg to 150mg. Your dermatologist may start you off at a lower dose and adjust as needed. Since the potential for side effects with this drug will increase with dosage, the lower the dose taken the better. If you are pregnant or would like to become pregnant, then this medication is not right for you as it can cause birth defects. Additionally, those with kidney problems or a family history of certain types of cancers will not be candidates for Spironolactone treatment.
Side Effects
Some of the side effects of Spironolactone include frequent urination and irregular menstrual cycles. Because Spironolactone is a diuretic, water intake should be increased to maintain proper hydration. Irregular cycles may be avoided by simultaneous use of the birth control pill (which may also improve results as mentioned above). Additionally, levels of potassium in the blood and blood pressure could be affected so monitoring by your physician may be required.
For women who suffer from hormonal acne that has been unaffected by other acne medications, Spironolactone is a promising treatment for adult acne. If you are not pregnant and do not plan on becoming pregnant, Spironolactone may be a good option as long as you are well aware of the side effects. For further information about Spironolactone and adult hormonal acne, speak with your dermatologist.
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