Which pill works better for acne? new study compares hormone therapy vs antibiotic

NCT ID NCT04582383

Ongoing Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Pennsylvania Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study compares two common acne pills for women: spironolactone (a hormone blocker) and doxycycline (an antibiotic). About 350 women aged 16-40 with moderate to severe acne will take one of the two medicines for several weeks. Researchers will count how many pimples clear up and check skin improvement to see which treatment works better.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

acne Acne Vulgaris

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ACNE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Arlington Research Center

Arlington, Texas, 76011, United States
Brigham and Women's Hospital

Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States
CCS Texas

Houston, Texas, 77004, United States
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States
Cura Clinical Research

Sherman Oaks, California, 92866, United States
Cyn3rgy Research

Gresham, Oregon, 97030, United States
Dawes Fretzin Clinical Research Group

Indianapolis, Indiana, 46250, United States
Dermatologists of Central States

Cincinnati, Ohio, 45242, United States
Johnson Dermatology

Fort Smith, Arkansas, 72916, United States
New Horizon Research Center

Miami, Florida, 33165, United States
New York University

New York, New York, 10016, United States
North Texas Center for Clinical Research

Frisco, Texas, 75034, United States
Northwell Health

North New Hyde Park, New York, 11042, United States
Ohio State University Medical Center

Columbus, Ohio, 43215, United States
Oregon Health and Science University

Portland, Oregon, 97239, United States
University of California San Francisco

San Francisco, California, 94115, United States
University of Miami

Miami, Florida, 33136, United States
University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 45209, United States

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