Acne treated successfully with azithromycin.

OBJECTIVE

To study the efficacy, safety, and compliance of 500 mg azithromycin thrice weekly for 12 weeks in acne vulgaris.

METHODS

An open-label, noncomparative study was carried out for 12 weeks at the outpatient clinics of Aga Khan University Hospital, Abassi Shaheed Hospital, and Burhani Community Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Thirty-five adolescent and postadolescent patients with moderate to severe papulopustular acne vulgaris were enrolled. All patients completed the study. Azithromycin, 500 mg orally thrice weekly for 12 weeks, was used. After the baseline visit, patients were scheduled to return at four-weekly intervals for 12 weeks. Efficacy was gauged by the percentage clearance of papulopustular acne lesions. Safety assessments included the monitoring of adverse events, and compliance was checked at the four-weekly regular visits up to 12 weeks.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients (82.9%) showed remarkable improvement in the first 4 weeks with 60% reduction of their inflammatory papulopustular lesions. Maximum clearance (80%) was observed at 12 weeks. Residual postinflammatory pigmentation and pitted and linear scarring represented the aftermath of the relapsing pattern of acne. Six patients (17.1%) showed slow clearance with eruptions of new lesions. Adverse events, such as heartburn and nausea, were reported by four patients (11.4%). All patients completed the 12-week study period.

CONCLUSIONS

Azithromycin, 500 mg thrice weekly for 12 weeks, is a safe and effective treatment of acne vulgaris with excellent patient compliance.