Isotretinoin Versus Weekly Pulse Dose Azithromycin In The Treatment Of Acne

Abstract

Introduction: Acne vulgaris is one of the most common skin disorders. It mainly affects adolescent, though may present at any age. It differs from patient to patient. Thus, the treatment should be differing from individual patients.

Methods: The comparative study between the efficacy of isotretinoin and pulse dose azithromycin was carried for one year. Sixty patients of moderate to severe acne were enrolled among 15 – 30 years’ group divided into two equal groups. Isotretinoin 0.5-1mg/kg body weight given to Group A and azithromycin 500mg was given to Group B three days a week for 3 months according to severity of the disease. The severity of acne was done according to Global Acne Grading Score, GAGS.

Results: Maximum number of patients were having moderate type of acne i.e., 20 (66.7%) in group A and 25 (83.3%) in group B. In group A, all cases responded and the clinical response was rated as excellent in 24 (80%), good in 5 (16.67%) and fair in 1 (3.33%) case. In group B, 24 (80%) cases responded and the response was categorized as excellent in 6 (20%), good in 9 (30%), fair in 3 (10%) and poor in 6 (20%) cases. There was no response in 6 (20%) cases. The response of isotretinoin in Group A is better than azithromycin in group B [p<0.01].

Conclusions: Isotretinoin appears to be the superior than to weekly pulse dose of azithromycin in moderate to severe case of acne.