 |
Spironolactone in the treatment of acne
by: Michal R. Pijak
In his article on acne published recently in the New England Journal of Medicine James (1) mentions that androgen antagonist spironolacton is often useful in women with hyperandrogenism. However, it would be important to point out, that the effectiveness of this treatment cannot be determined due to the small sample populations involved in the trials, as has been shown in recent metaanalysis. (2) It should be also emphasized that although the long-term use of spironolactone in the treatment of acne in women appears to be safe, its side-effects seem to be high. (3) On the other hand, it is worth mentioning that spironolactone in addition to its antiandrogenic effects might also have antiinflammatory potential. (4) This emphasizes the need for further properly designed trials with relevant outcomes to provide robust estimates of the size and mechanism of any treatment effects. Because of its long half-life spironolactone should be given once daily and not in divided doses as recommended by James. This might increase the compliance which is important in prolonged therapy to achieve maximal benefits. (5)
1. James WD. Clinical practice. Acne. N Engl J Med 2005;352:1463-72.
2. Farquhar C, Lee O, Toomath R, Jepson R. Spironolactone versus placebo or in combination with steroids for hirsutism and⁄or acne. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2003;(4):CD000194.
3. Shaw JC, White LE. Long-term safety of spironolactone in acne: results of an 8-year followup study. J Cutan Med Surg 2002;6:541-5.
4. Hansen PR, Rieneck K, Bendtzen K. Spironolactone inhibits production of proinflammatory cytokines by human mononuclear cells. Immunol Lett 2004;91:87-91.
5. McEvoy B, Nydegger R, Williams G. Factors related to patient compliance in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Int J Dermatol 2003;42:274-80.
|
Articles:
Natural and Dietary Therapies for Acne
The Best Acne Treatments
Makeup for Acne Scars – Hiding as You Heal
Natural Treatment Options for Acne
Medication options for acne sufferers
Over The Counter Acne Treatments – Do They Work?
The problems With Acne
The Best Acne Cures – What Will Clear My Skin For Good?
The Causes Of Acne... And How To Avoid Them
Skin Care & Acne Prevention
Shopping for Sensitive Skin: A Guide for the Acne and Rosace
The Causes Of Acne ... And How To Avoid Them
Possible Acne Messages
The natural remedy for acne
Prevention Is Time-Tested Prescription For Acne
Natural Acne Treatment
The Search for Acne Solutions
Silver Bullet for Acne? - I Don't Think So!
The Real Reason Your Acne Is Out of Control
Six Smoothie Recipes for Constipation and Acne Relief
The Best Acne Treatments Available
The Different Types Of Treatments Available For Mild Acne
Remedying the Silly Ways Women Get Acne When Applying Makeup
Middle Age Women - Acne Be Gone!
Shoulder and Back Acne
Natural smoothie formula to stop constipation and acne
THE TRUTH ABOUT YOUR ACNE PROBLEM!
New Discovery May Lead To More Effective Acne Treatments
The Sad Tales Of Adult Acne
Treating Acne At Home
Mineral Makeup a Natural Acne Cure?
Proactive Facial Cleanser For Acne
Splash Your Acne Supplement Expenses with Food
The First Step To Curing Acne
NATURAL FOODS THAT INDUCE ACNE!
The Truth About Acne Skin Care
Retin-A For Acne Scars
Simple and Effective Ways to Control Acne
Microdermabrasion Acne Treatments – Harsh or Helpful?
More Infomation
Acne Information: