Oral tetracyclines for ocular rosacea: an evidence-based review of the literature.
OBJECTIVE
To review the basis for the use of oral tetracyclines in ocular rosacea.


METHODS
Review of the published literature.


RESULTS
Two prospective, masked, and placebo-controlled studies of oxytetracycline for ocular rosacea demonstrated a modest treatment benefit. Studies performed with tetracycline and doxycycline for ocular rosacea were not placebo controlled, and the optimal drug, dose, and schedule of administration were not evaluated.


CONCLUSIONS
Available evidence supports a moderate treatment benefit in ocular rosacea for oxytetracycline, a tetracycline derivative not currently available in the United States. The efficacies of doxycycline and tetracycline, including treatment effect, optimal dose, duration of therapy, and side effects when used for ocular rosacea have not been established.
Stone
Donald U
DU
Molecular Pathogenesis of Eyer Infection Research Center, Dean A. McGee Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 608 Stanton I. Young Boulevard, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
Chodosh
James
J
D000284:Administration, Oral; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012393:Rosacea / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013754:Tetracyclines / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D013754:Tetracyclines