Is there an alternative anti-androgen medication to spironolactone that works just as well?

Question

A derm refused to prescribe Accutane for my constant hormonal acne and gave me spironolactone instead, despite the fact that it's a diuretic and I have interstitial cystitis (I already urinate up to 100 times a day). Sure enough spironolactone had me running to the bathroom double my usual amount until I broke down and quit. What spironolactone alternatives (anti-androgens) can I try at this point that would be just as effective but won't have me getting up 50 times a night to urinate?

Estee Williams, MD · Answer

Oral contraceptive pills are useful in the treatment of hormonal acne, with or without spiro.  Regarding the frequent urination, please follow up with your primary care physician to get better control over your symptoms.  Be well.

Alim R. Devani, MD, FRCPC · Answer

The only other anti-androgens would be other forms of oral birth control for your acne with work 50-60% of the time in my hands. Maybe try finding another provider who may give you low dose accutane for a few months to control your acne.

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

See your dermatologist or a endocrinologist for this. Like Spironolactone, this is an anti-androgen. It is not a diuretic, so will not affect your cystitis. Dr Davin Lim Dermatologist.

Is there an alternative anti-androgen medication to spironolactone that works just as well?

Answers (3)