Spironolactone

Spironolactone is a prescription medicine that blocks androgen effects and helps the body remove extra salt and water. It is used for certain heart and blood pressure conditions. It is also used off-label for hormonal acne, female hair thinning, and some PCOS symptoms. Results vary.

Spironolactone may help hormonal acne by blocking androgen effects on oil glands. Results vary. Physicians often consider it for persistent acne in women, including breakouts around the jawline or menstrual cycle. This use is off-label, and a licensed physician in your state must decide whether it fits your needs.

Spironolactone may help some women with female pattern hair thinning by blocking androgen effects on hair follicles. Results vary. This is an off-label use, and visible changes can take several months. A physician should first assess the cause because not all hair loss is related to androgens.

Spironolactone may help androgen-related PCOS symptoms, such as acne and unwanted facial or body hair. Results vary. It is used off-label and does not treat every part of PCOS. It is not a fertility medicine or birth control, and pregnancy prevention needs review before treatment.

Take spironolactone exactly as prescribed, at a consistent time and consistently with or without food. Your dose depends on your condition and health history. If you miss a dose, take it when remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose. Never double doses.

Spironolactone can cause more frequent urination, dizziness, stomach upset, breast tenderness, and irregular periods. It can also raise potassium or affect kidney function. Seek urgent care for fainting, severe weakness, or an irregular heartbeat. Call 911 for trouble breathing or swelling of the face, lips, or tongue.

You may need blood tests because spironolactone can raise potassium and affect kidney function. Your physician decides which tests you need and when. Monitoring depends on your age, kidney health, dose, treatment reason, and other medicines. Do not skip ordered tests just because you feel well.

Spironolactone is not used during pregnancy because its anti-androgen effects may pose a risk to fetal development. Tell your physician if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or could become pregnant. Breastfeeding needs a separate review of your health, your baby's health, and available alternatives before treatment.

Spironolactone can interact with potassium supplements, potassium-based salt substitutes, some blood pressure medicines, and certain pain relievers. Other important interactions include trimethoprim and lithium. Share every prescription, over-the-counter medicine, and supplement with your physician and pharmacist. Do not stop a prescribed medicine on your own.

Talk with your prescriber before stopping spironolactone. Acne, unwanted hair growth, or hair thinning may return after treatment ends. Results vary. If you take it for heart disease, blood pressure, or fluid buildup, stopping can affect control of that condition. Your physician should guide any change.