Azone enhances clinical effectiveness of an optimized formulation of triamcinolone acetonide in atopic dermatitis.
BACKGROUND
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, relapsing condition affecting up to 14% of the population in Western countries. Topical corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment. Triamcinolone acetonide, a corticoid of intermediate potency, has proven useful in the treatment of atopic dermatitis.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effectiveness of a triamcinolone acetonide-laurocapram combination in the treatment of atopic dermatitis.


METHODS
One hundred and fifty patients were enrolled in a three-arm, parallel group, controlled clinical trial evaluating the effectiveness of a triamcinolone acetonide (0.05%) and laurocapram combination, applied twice daily for 2 weeks, in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Fifty patients received triamcinolone acetonide-laurocapram (TNX), 50 triamcinolone acetonide (TN), and 50 a vehicle control formulation (AN). Response to treatment was evaluated by change in disease severity at 6 h, at 3, 8, and 15 days after the start of treatment, and by the global change in disease status.


RESULTS
TNX effected a significantly higher degree of improvement in the signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis (erythema, induration, and pruritus) and a greater overall improvement in disease status compared with treatment with TN or AN. Treatment-associated side-effects were local reactions, occurring in three, two, and six patients in the TNX, TN, and AN groups, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that the incorporation of laurocapram in the formulation enhances the effectiveness of triamcinolone acetonide, without compromising its safety profile.
Cato
A
A
Cato Research Ltd., Durham, North Carolina 27713, USA. aecato@cato.mail.com
Swinehart
J M
JM
Griffin
E I
EI
Sutton
L
L
Kaplan
A S
AS
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001381:Azepines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014222:Triamcinolone Acetonide / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D001381:Azepines; C035229:laurocapram; D014222:Triamcinolone Acetonide