Spironolactone versus doxycycline for acne in women
A randomized, double-blind, multi-center comparative effectiveness study of spironolactone versus doxycycline hyclate for the treatment of acne in women
['FUNDING_U01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-11169688
This trial compares two commonly used oral acne medicines—spironolactone and doxycycline—to find which helps adult women get clearer skin with fewer side effects.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_U01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11169688 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If I join, I would be randomly given either spironolactone or doxycycline without knowing which one I receive, and clinicians at multiple sites will follow my progress. The study will measure changes in acne severity, record side effects, and collect samples to look at effects on the skin and gut microbiome. Researchers will compare how well each medicine clears acne and whether long-term antibiotic use is linked to adverse outcomes. The goal is to help patients and doctors choose safer and more effective oral treatment options.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Women aged 21 and older with persistent moderate-to-severe acne who are willing to take oral medication and attend clinic visits are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People who are pregnant or planning pregnancy, those with only mild acne, men, or anyone with contraindications to either drug may not benefit from or be eligible for this trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the trial could identify a safer and more effective oral treatment for women with moderate-to-severe acne and help reduce unnecessary long-term antibiotic use.
How similar studies have performed: Both antibiotics and spironolactone have been used successfully in prior studies and clinical practice, but direct randomized, head-to-head comparisons are limited.
Where this research is happening
PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA — PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MARGOLIS, DAVID JOEL — UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- Study coordinator: MARGOLIS, DAVID JOEL
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.