Trends in the Prescribing Pattern of Spironolactone for Acne and Hidradenitis Suppurativa in Adolescents

The study analyzed the trends in the use of spironolactone, a synthetic aldosterone receptor antagonist and antiandrogen, for treating acne and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) in adolescents. The study included 13,045 patients treated with spironolactone for acne and 215 patients treated for HS between 2014 and 2018. The results showed a 2- to 3-fold increase in the use of spironolactone for acne and HS across all age groups, with the drug being used approximately 10 times more frequently in 19-year-old women than in 13-year-old girls. The increase in spironolactone use is likely due to its successful use in treating acne and HS in adult women. However, the study also highlighted the need for further research on the drug's safety in younger populations and its effects on endocrine development in early adolescence. A retrospective study found that only 0.22% of patients aged 12-45 years reported hyperkalemia during treatment, suggesting its safety in younger populations. Another study found that only 3.8% of patients aged 14-20 years experienced adverse side effects, indicating good tolerability in adolescents. However, the efficacy of spironolactone in treating acne and HS in adolescents is still limited, with further studies needed to investigate its efficacy and assess the short- and long-term safety issues associated with its early use.