Spironolactone in dermatology

Dermatol Ther. 2022 May;35(5):e15321. doi: 10.1111/dth.15321. Epub 2022 Mar 17.

Abstract

Spironolactone is a drug, similar in structure to aldosterone and acts as an aldosterone receptor antagonist with an anti-androgenic effect. This drug has proven to be useful in several dermatological entities, however its use has not been well explored. Its use in diseases such as acne has opened the door to the possibility of new therapies depending on the clinical manifestations of the patients, as well as its possible to use it as a first line treatment. Other diseases associated with the use of spironolactone where its effects have been shown to be useful are hidradenitis suppurativa, hirsutism, and female pattern androgenetic alopecia. In this review, we discuss the use of spironolactone in different skin diseases that are common in our environment, dosage according to different studies, treatment recommendations and adverse effects; all of the above mentioned in order to use this drug in a daily clinical practice.

Keywords: acne; androgenetic alopecia; hidradenitis suppurativa; hirsutism; polycystic ovary syndrome; spironolactone.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acne Vulgaris* / drug therapy
  • Dermatology*
  • Female
  • Hidradenitis Suppurativa* / drug therapy
  • Hirsutism / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Spironolactone / adverse effects

Substances

  • Spironolactone