What to know about spironolactone treatment in pregnancy

Spironolactone is a prescription medicine with anti-androgen effects and diuretic effects. It may be used for hormonal acne, excess hair, or other conditions, but pregnancy changes how its potential benefits and risks are weighed. The medicine can also affect blood pressure, kidney function, and potassium balance, especially alongside certain medicines or supplements. Whether exposure occurred before pregnancy was recognised, or the medicine is being considered during pregnancy, the exact dose, timing, health history, and other treatments matter.

Tell the prescribing clinician and pregnancy-care team promptly if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or have a missed period while taking spironolactone. Do not make a medication change without professional advice, but do not take another dose until you have received clear instructions if your clinician has advised stopping it. Bring the medicine name, strength, schedule, last dose, and a list of supplements and other medicines. A clinician can discuss an acne plan suited to pregnancy and decide whether any monitoring is needed.

Seek urgent help for fainting, severe dizziness, unusual weakness, confusion, a racing or irregular heartbeat, severe vomiting, or signs of an allergic reaction such as facial swelling or breathing difficulty. Contact the pregnancy-care team promptly after a confirmed pregnancy or suspected exposure so the medication plan is reviewed without delay.

Ask whether to stop or replace spironolactone, what to use for acne during pregnancy, whether blood pressure or blood tests are needed, and how to record any exposure. Ask which over-the-counter products and supplements should be avoided and when treatment can be reconsidered after pregnancy.