Understanding Common Prescription Acne Medications

Spironolactone

Spironolactone is a common medication for high blood pressure. It also treats heart, kidney, and liver issues! However, many doctors prescribe it 'off-label' to treat acne. This is because it has antiandrogenic properties, meaning that it reduces certain hormones. Specifically, it reduces testosterone and other androgen hormones. These are a common cause of acne! Thus, this medication treats acne when it is due to excessive hormones.

Unfortunately, most men cannot take it since it reduces testosterone. If they do, doctors must monitor them quite closely! Pregnant women, in most cases, cannot take this medication either. This medication is a diuretic, so patients will likely urinate more than they usually would. They need to drink water to compensate! Doctors will prescribe it as an oral tablet for most acne patients. However, it is available in liquid form as well.

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