A placebo-controlled clinical trial to compare a gel containing a combination of isotretinoin (0.05%) and erythromycin (2%) with gels containing isotretinoin (0.05%) or erythromycin (2%) alone in the topical treatment of acne vulgaris.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the clinical benefit of isotretinoin (0.05%) and erythromycin (2%) gels alone and in combination (Isotrexintrade mark) in acne patients.


METHODS
The study was a randomised placebo-controlled trial in acne patients who should benefit from topical therapy.


RESULTS
All treatment groups except placebo produced a time-related reduction in lesion counts, with the combined therapy producing the largest mean decrease. Between-group comparisons showed several significant differences.


CONCLUSIONS
Isotrexin was significantly better than placebo at all time points for inflamed and total lesions, and was better than isotretinoin at week 4. Side-effects were minimal.
Glass
D
D
Department of Dermatology, General Infirmary at Leeds, Maidenhead, UK.
Boorman
G C
GC
Stables
G I
GI
Cunliffe
W J
WJ
Goode
K
K
D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004917:Erythromycin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D015474:Isotretinoin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005782:Gels; D004917:Erythromycin; D015474:Isotretinoin