TLDR Spironolactone is effective and safe for treating acne.
Spironolactone, originally a potassium-sparing diuretic for heart failure and hypertension, has antiandrogenic properties that make it useful in treating dermatologic conditions like acne, hidradenitis suppurativa, androgenic alopecia, and hirsutism. Despite over 40 years of off-label use for acne, it lacks FDA approval for this purpose. This review examines the current evidence supporting spironolactone's efficacy and safety in acne management.
4 citations
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March 2024 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” Spironolactone for skin issues rarely causes low blood pressure.
5 citations
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January 2024 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” Use benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, antibiotics, and isotretinoin for acne, and combine treatments for better results.
13 citations
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February 2022 in “JAMA Dermatology” Spironolactone does not increase cancer risk and may lower prostate cancer risk, but more research is needed.
4 citations
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December 2021 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Doctors are prescribing spironolactone more often to treat acne and skin conditions in teenagers, and it seems safe and well-tolerated.
10 citations
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May 2020 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Taking spironolactone doesn't increase the chance of breast cancer coming back.
