Topical erythromycin and zinc therapy for acne.
A double-blind, 12-week study was undertaken to determine the safety and efficacy of a formulation of 4% erythromycin plus 1.2% zinc acetate compared with its vehicle. The study was continued for 40 weeks after the 12-week double-blind phase by switching vehicle-treated patients to active treatment and continuing to give patients treated with active drug the same treatment. Seventy-three female patients started the study; 39 completed 1 full year of study. In the first 12 weeks statistically significant differences were noted in the efficacy of the erythromycin-zinc compared with vehicle for acne severity grades (global assessment) and for papule, pustule, and comedo counts. After crossover, the vehicle-treated group receiving active therapy duplicated the improvement of the group initially treated with erythromycin-zinc. No clinical problems with superinfection or secondary infection occurred during 1 year of treatment in 39 patients.
Schachner
L
L
Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami School of Medicine, FL 33101.
Eaglstein
W
W
Kittles
C
C
Mertz
P
P
D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004917:Erythromycin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D014677:Pharmaceutical Vehicles; D011897:Random Allocation; D013997:Time Factors; D015032:Zinc / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D004338:Drug Combinations; D014677:Pharmaceutical Vehicles; D004917:Erythromycin; D015032:Zinc