Oral spironolactone improves acne vulgaris and reduces sebum excretion

Br J Dermatol. 1984 Aug;111(2):209-14. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.1984.tb04045.x.

Abstract

In a consecutive series of thirty-six male and female patients referred with severe acne, the effect of 3 months' treatment with placebo or spironolactone (50-200 mg daily) on sebum excretion and clinical and endocrine status was evaluated double-blind. Twenty-six patients completed the study. Abnormal free androgen indices were found in 27% of the original nineteen female subjects. Spironolactone reduced sebum excretion in all female subjects, but there was no correlation between sebum response and androgen status. The clinical response was dose-dependent, with maximum subjective and objective benefit when spironolactone doses of 150-200 mg were used.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acne Vulgaris / drug therapy*
  • Acne Vulgaris / metabolism
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Androgens / analysis
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Sebum / drug effects
  • Sebum / metabolism*
  • Spironolactone / administration & dosage
  • Spironolactone / adverse effects
  • Spironolactone / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Androgens
  • Spironolactone