spironolactone (acne)

Name: spironolactone (acne) — FDA Drug Safety & Adverse Event Data
Creator: PlainMeds
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

Reviewed byPlainmeds Editorial, Drug Information Editorial Team · June 5, 2026

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Brand names: Aldactone

Anti-Androgen Rx

Spironolactone (Aldactone) is a medicine that helps remove extra fluid from your body and lower blood pressure. It belongs to a class of drugs called anti-androgens.

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What it does

Spironolactone can treat heart failure by helping you live longer, managing swelling, and reducing hospital visits.

Common side effects

Breast enlargement in men, Changes in periods, Decreased sex drive

Key warnings

Spironolactone can cause high potassium levels in your blood.

How It Works

Spironolactone blocks a hormone called aldosterone in your body. Aldosterone causes your body to hold onto sodium and water. By blocking aldosterone, spironolactone helps your body get rid of extra fluid and lower blood pressure.

How to Take It

Take spironolactone exactly as your doctor tells you to. For heart failure, you might start with 25 mg once a day. For high blood pressure, the starting dose is usually 25 to 100 mg daily. You can take this medicine with or without food, but try to take it the same way each time.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Spironolactone may affect the sex organs of a baby boy if taken during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about the risks if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if spironolactone passes into breast milk, so talk to your doctor about breastfeeding while taking this medicine.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.

Storage

Store spironolactone at room temperature, below 77°F (25°C).

Serious Warnings

Spironolactone can cause high potassium levels in your blood. Your doctor will check your potassium levels regularly, especially if you have kidney problems or take other medicines that can raise potassium. This medicine can also cause low blood pressure or make kidney problems worse. Tell your doctor if you have liver problems, as this medicine can cause problems with brain function.

Known Drug Interactions

moderate lithium

• Lithium: Increased risk of lithium toxicity ( 7.2 ). Examples of drugs that can increase potassium include: • ACE inhibitors • angiotensin receptor blockers • non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) • heparin and low molecular weight heparin • trimethoprim 7.2 Lithium Like other diuretics, ALDACTONE reduces the renal clearance of lithium, thus increasing the risk of lithium toxicity. Monitor lithium levels periodically when ALDACTONE is coadministered [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] .

Mechanism: This medication slows down how fast your kidneys get rid of lithium. This can lead to toxic levels of lithium in your system.

What to do: You should have regular blood tests to check your lithium levels if you take these drugs together.

moderate trimethoprim

Examples of drugs that can increase potassium include: • ACE inhibitors • angiotensin receptor blockers • non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) • heparin and low molecular weight heparin • trimethoprim 7.2 Lithium Like other diuretics, ALDACTONE reduces the renal clearance of lithium, thus increasing the risk of lithium toxicity.

Mechanism: Both medications can cause potassium to build up in your body. This combination increases the risk of a condition called hyperkalemia, or high potassium.

What to do: Your doctor should monitor your potassium levels and may need to adjust your treatment plan.

moderate heparin

Mechanism: Both of these medicines can cause the amount of potassium in your blood to rise to unsafe levels. This happens because both drugs change how your body manages this mineral.

What to do: Your doctor should check your blood potassium levels regularly while you are taking both drugs. You may need to adjust your diet or medication if levels get too high.

moderate abiraterone

• Abiraterone: May increase prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels ( 7.7 ). 7.7 Abiraterone Spironolactone binds to the androgen receptor and may increase prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in abiraterone-treated prostate cancer patients. Concomitant use of spironolactone and abiraterone is not recommended.

Mechanism: Spironolactone can interfere with the way abiraterone works against prostate cancer and may cause certain lab tests to show higher cancer markers. This makes it difficult for your doctor to track your progress.

What to do: It is recommended that you do not use these two medicines together. Talk to your healthcare provider about using a different treatment for your condition.

minor spironolactone

• NSAIDs: May reduce the diuretic, natriuretic and antihypertensive effect of ALDACTONE ( 7.3 ). • Digoxin: ALDACTONE can interfere with radioimmunologic assays of digoxin exposure ( 7.4 ). • Acetylsalicylic Acid (ASA): ASA may reduce the efficacy of ALDACTONE ( 7.6 ).

Mechanism: Pain relievers like aspirin or ibuprofen can stop this medicine from working well to lower blood pressure or remove extra fluid.

What to do: Ask your doctor before taking any over-the-counter pain medicine while on this treatment.

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Common Questions

Can spironolactone be taken with food?

Yes, you can take spironolactone with or without food.

What should I do if I experience dizziness while taking spironolactone?

If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down until the dizziness passes. Tell your doctor if dizziness continues.

How often will my potassium levels be checked?

Your doctor will check your potassium levels within a week of starting spironolactone and regularly after that.

Can spironolactone affect my period?

Yes, spironolactone can cause irregular periods or stop them altogether.

What other medicines should I tell my doctor about before starting spironolactone?

Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, especially those that can raise potassium levels, such as ACE inhibitors or ARBs.

Can spironolactone cause breast enlargement in men?

Yes, spironolactone can cause breast enlargement in men. This is usually reversible.

What should I do if I miss a dose of spironolactone?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.

Does spironolactone interact with NSAIDs?

Yes, NSAIDs may reduce the effect of spironolactone. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose.

Can spironolactone affect lithium levels?

Yes, spironolactone can increase lithium levels. Your doctor will monitor your lithium levels if you take both medicines.

Who should not take spironolactone?

You should not take spironolactone if you have high potassium levels, Addison's disease, or are taking eplerenone.

What are the common side effects of spironolactone (acne)?

The most commonly reported side effects of spironolactone (acne) include Breast enlargement in men, Changes in periods, Decreased sex drive, Dizziness, Headache. Always consult your healthcare provider about potential side effects.

Does spironolactone (acne) interact with other medications?

Yes, spironolactone (acne) has 7 known drug interactions. Notable interactions include lithium, trimethoprim, heparin. Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.

What drug class is spironolactone (acne)?

spironolactone (acne) belongs to the Anti-Androgen drug class. It requires a prescription (Rx). Spironolactone can treat heart failure by helping you live longer, managing swelling, and reducing hospital visits.

Is spironolactone (acne) safe during pregnancy?

Spironolactone may affect the sex organs of a baby boy if taken during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about the risks if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Always consult your healthcare provider before using any medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

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