Spironolactone for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Acne in Adult Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials

Abstract

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of spironolactone for moderate to severe acne in adult women by synthesising data from randomised controlled trials (RCTs). The meta-analysis demonstrated that spironolactone significantly increased the odds of treatment success, with a pooled odds ratio (OR) of 2.51 compared to placebo or doxycycline. This analysis supports spironolactone as a highly effective treatment for moderate to severe acne in adult women, particularly in hormonally driven cases. Its efficacy, combined with its role as an alternative to long-term antibiotic therapy, makes it a valuable option for acne management in women population.