The efficacy, safety and tolerance of azithromycin pulse therapy in papulopustular acne in Iraqi patients.
Abstract
Objective: to assess efficacy, safety, and tolerance of azithromycin in acne.Methods: open-label non-comparative therapeutic study of 500 mg of azithromycin thrice weekly for 8 weeks in treatment of moderate-sever papulopustular facial acne in Iraqi patients. Patients were examined by two dermatologists and a full count of lesions, we used special grading system of papulopustular acne .The lesions were counted at the beginning of the treatment (baseline, day 1) and at weeks (2,4,8). The difference between the number of lesions at baseline and in subsequent visits was used to evaluate the efficacy of therapy. A difference equal to or greater than 50 % was considered "good-excellent", 20 – 50% "moderate," and < 20 % "poor".No topical therapy was associated. All patients were also evaluated at 2 months, post-treatment follow-up visit. 74 patients were enrolled (11-27 years) with moderate-sever papulopustular acne. (72%) had excellent response, (12%) moderate response, (16%) poor response. The pustular inflammatory acne responded more dramatically, while the comedonal lesions more resistant. No serious side effects were noticed. After the 8th week, patients advised to stop azithromycin and followed up for 2 months. Conclusions: azithromycin pulse therapy is safe, effective and tolerable antibiotic for mild-moderate inflammatory acne with very few side effects
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