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MedPulse - International Medical Journal, ISSN 2348-2516 E-ISSN: 2348-1897
Volume 1, Issue 6, June 2014 pp 310-315
Research Article
Efficacy of isotretinoin alone and its combination with azithromycin in moderate to severe acne vulgaris: a comparative study
Kishor Singh1, Amarjeet Singh2, Sanjay Kanodia3, Jyoti Singh4, Akansha Trehan5
1Professor and HOD, 2Resident, 3Associate Professor, 5Resident, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, National Institute of Medical Sciences, Jaipur, Rajasthan, INDIA.
4Resident, Department of Pathology, Lala Laajpat Rai Medical College, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, INDIA.
Abstract
Introduction: Acne vulgaris is a multi factorial disease and represents a spectrum of disease severity from a couple of comedones and pustules to severe nodulocystic acne. Treatment therefore must be tailored with the goal of preventing physical and/or psychological morbidity. Isotretinoin is indicated for the treatment of acne vulgaris, however to minimize its adverse effects and improve the efficacy, it may be combined with antibiotics such as Azithromycin. Objective: A study was carried out to evaluate and compare the efficacy of isotretinoin alone and combination therapy with azithromycin for the treatment of moderate to severe acne. Methods: 120 patients of 15-25 years of age with moderate to severe acne vulgaris were enrolled at random. The lesions were classified on the basis of Pillsburry, shelly and Klingman grading system. 60 patients were treated with oral isotretinoin 0.5 mg/kg daily dose and remaining 60 patients were treated with same dose of isotretinoin along with oral azithromycin 500 mg/day for 3day/week. The number of lesions was calculated on day one and at biweekly interval thereafter for three months. The number of lesions observed on day one and the number detected in subsequent examination were used to evaluate the efficacy of therapy. Results: 91.66% (n=55) of the patients showed significant clinical improvement with combination treatment as compared to isotretinoin alone showing only 73.33% (n=44) clinical improvement. Conclusion: Isotretinoin itself provides significant relief but combined treatment with Azithromycin seems to be more effective.
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