Randomized placebo-controlled trial of metronidazole 1% cream with sunscreen SPF 15 in treatment of rosacea.
BACKGROUND
Rosacea is a photoaggravated dermatosis responsive to treatment with topical and oral antibiotics. A formulation combining metronidazole 1% cream with sunscreen SPF 15 was developed for the treatment of rosacea.


OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of a formulation combining metronidazole 1% cream with sunscreen SPF 15 in the treatment of moderate to severe rosacea.


METHODS
One hundred and twenty patients with moderate to severe rosacea were enrolled for a randomized, placebo-controlled (vehicle containing sunscreen with SPF 15), double-blind study. Study cream was applied twice daily to the entire face over a 12-week period.


RESULTS
Treatment with metronidazole 1% cream with sunscreen SPF 15 resulted in significant improvement (p <0.05) in inflammatory lesion count, erythema and telangiectasiae scores, and investigator and patient global assessment scores compared with baseline and placebo. Adverse reactions related to study medication were typically mild, occurred at the site of application, and were reversible. There was no difference between the safety profiles of metronidazole 1% cream with sunscreen SPF 15 and placebo.


CONCLUSIONS
The combined topical formulation of metronidazole 1% cream with sunscreen SPF 15 was an effective, well-tolerated topical agent for the treatment of moderate to severe rosacea.
Tan
J K L
JK
jerrytan@netcom.ca
Girard
C
C
Krol
A
A
Murray
H E
HE
Papp
K A
KA
Poulin
Y
Y
Chin
D A
DA
Jeandupeux
D
D
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008795:Metronidazole / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009824:Ointments; D012393:Rosacea / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D009824:Ointments; D013473:Sunscreening Agents; D008795:Metronidazole