title: Evidence that method of use, dose and duration of treatment with benzoyl peroxide and tetracycline determines response of acne.
abstract: Treatment of acne prior to referral was recorded retrospectively in 72 patients alleged to have responded inadequately; 60% had used benzoyl peroxide (BP) but most applied it to lesions only. Although 86% had used tetracycline, most did not take it correctly for maximum absorption and took less than 1 g/day. Most patients used both drugs for less than three months. Eight-two patients referred because of inadequate response were treated with: (I) 5% benzoyl peroxide (BP) (23 patients); (II) 5% BP and 0.5 g/day oxytetracycline (OTC) (24 patients); (III) 5% BP and 1 g/day OTC (18 patients); (IV) 5% BP and 1.5 g/day OTC (17 patients). BP was applied incrementally from 30 min up to 8-10 hours daily to the entire area affected and OTC taken as a single morning dose. Median grade of severity (0-10 analogue scale) fell by 2 in Groups I and II (P less than 0.05), by 2.5 in Group III (P less than 0.05) and by 3 in Group IV (P less than 0.05); number of lesions fell by 56% +/- 7% (s.e.), (P less than 0.001) 70% +/- less than 10% (P less than 0.001), 75% +/- 8% (P less than 0.001) and 78% +/- 10% (P less than 0.001) respectively and treatment was well tolerated. Thus, although effective drugs are frequently prescribed in acne, method of use, dose and duration are likely to determine response.
mesh_terms: D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001585:Benzoyl Peroxide / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D011307:Drug Prescriptions; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010118:Oxytetracycline / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010545:Peroxides / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D012189:Retrospective Studies
chemical_list: D010545:Peroxides; D001585:Benzoyl Peroxide; D010118:Oxytetracycline