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Compare Spironolactone vs. Tretinoin

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

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.

  • Spironolactone (Aldactone)
    Retin-a (tretinoin)
  • Spironolactone (Aldactone)
    Retin-a (tretinoin)

  • Summary of Spironolactone vs. Tretinoin

    Summary for Potassium sparing diuretic
    Prescription only

    Spironolactone (Aldactone) is a type of potassium-sparing diuretic (water pill). It's used to treat heart failure, high blood pressure, and swelling from kidney or liver problems in adults. Because it blocks aldosterone (a hormone that affects sodium and potassium levels), spironolactone (Aldactone) can also treat conditions where there's too much aldosterone. Spironolactone (Aldactone) is taken by mouth, generally once or a few times a day, depending on your condition. Some common side effects of this medication include breast tenderness (males and females) and loss of libido (in males).

    Summary for Retinoid
    Prescription only

    Retin-A (tretinoin) is a retinoid medication that's used to treat acne in adults and children 12 years and older. It's available as a cream or a gel that's applied onto the skin once a day. Side effects include skin irritation, redness, and peeling. Your acne might get worse at the beginning of treatment, but it should get better as you continue using the medication. You must have a prescription for Retin-A (tretinoin) from your primary care provider or dermatologist; this medication isn't available over the counter.

  • Indications of Spironolactone vs. Tretinoin

    Indications for
    •Heart failure
    •High blood pressure
    •Swelling due to liver damage (cirrhosis)
    •Swelling due to nephrotic syndrome (a rare kidney condition) - tablets only
    •Primary aldosteronism (a hormone imbalance) - tablets only
    Indications for
    •Acne

  • Pros and Cons of Spironolactone vs. Tretinoin

    Pros and Const for Potassium sparing diuretic
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Oral suspension available for adults who've difficulty swallowing tablets
    •Lower-cost generics available
    Cons
    •Can make you urinate more often
    •Need to get blood tests regularly to check your electrolytes and kidney health
    •Can cause breast growth and lower sex drive in males
    Pros and Const for Retinoid
    Pros
    •Easy to apply onto your skin
    •Only need to apply once nightly
    •Available in a lower-cost generic form
    Cons
    •Makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight, which can lead to sunburns
    •Can cause your skin color to temporarily become lighter or darker
    •Might worsen your acne during the first few weeks of treatment

  • Common Side Effects of Spironolactone vs. Tretinoin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness
    •Headache
    •Sleepiness
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Diarrhea
    •Stomach cramps
    •Enlargement of male breasts
    •Breast pain
    •Lower sex drive
    •Sexual dysfunction
    •Irregular or lack of menstrual periods
    •Leg cramps
    •Higher potassium levels
    •Lower sodium levels
    Common Side Effects for
    •Skin peeling or discomfort
    •Warm feeling or stinging after applying
    •Skin redness
    •Sensitivity to sunlight (sunburns)
    •Worsening of acne in the first few weeks of treatment

  • Warnings of Spironolactone vs. Tretinoin

    Common Side Effects for
    •High blood potassium levels
    •Low blood pressure and kidney problems
    •Abnormal electrolyte levels
    •Breast pain or swelling
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sunburns
    •Skin irritation in extreme weather
    •Skin reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Spironolactone vs. Tretinoin

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