Key takeaways
Spironolactone (Aldactone) and tretinoin (Retin-A) are both used to treat acne, but they belong to different medication classes. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that is primarily used to treat heart failure and high blood pressure, but it's also used off-label for acne in females. Tretinoin, on the other hand, is a topical retinoid that's FDA-approved specifically for treating acne. Spironolactone is taken orally, while tretinoin is applied topically once daily at bedtime as a cream or gel. Common side effects of spironolactone include dizziness, breast tenderness, and changes in libido, while tretinoin can cause skin irritation, redness, and increased sensitivity to sunlight. Spironolactone requires regular blood tests to monitor electrolytes and kidney health, while tretinoin can increase sun sensitivity, so users should be cautious of sun exposure to prevent sunburns.
