Tazarotene versus tazarotene plus hydroquinone in the treatment of photodamaged facial skin: a multicenter, double-blind, randomized study.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the efficacy and tolerability of tazarotene plus hydroquinone versus tazarotene alone in the treatment of facial photodamage.


METHODS
Patients with facial mottled hyperpigmentation of at least moderate severity and an overall integrated assessment of photodamage score of at least moderate applied tazarotene 0.1% cream each evening and either hydroquinone 4% cream or placebo cream each morning for up to 24 weeks.


RESULTS
Among 131 patients enrolled, 114/124 (92%) with exit data completed. Both regimens were highly effective in reducing photodamage, with tazarotene plus hydroquinone showing superiority over tazarotene alone for some efficacy measures. The incidence of >or=1-grade improvement from baseline (on a scale of none, minimal, mild, moderate, or severe) was significantly greater with tazarotene plus hydroquinone than with tazarotene alone for lentigines (weeks 12-24, p<or=0.01) and mottled hyperpigmentation (week 16, p<or=0.05). The incidence of >or=50% global improvement was also significantly superior with the combination regimen as early as week 8 (p<or=0.01). Both regimens were associated with good tolerability and high patient satisfaction (no significant between-group differences).


CONCLUSIONS
The adjunctive use of hydroquinone can enhance the efficacy of tazarotene in reducing dyspigmentation associated with photodamage.
Lowe
Nicholas
N
UCLA School of Medicine, Santa Monica, CA, USA. cranleyuk@aol.com
Horwitz
Stephen
S
Tanghetti
Emil
E
Draelos
Zoë
Z
Menter
Alan
A
D000287:Administration, Topical; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006873:Hydroquinones / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017495:Hyperpigmentation / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009539:Nicotinic Acids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009824:Ointments; D015595:Skin Aging / Q000187:drug effects*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D012176:Retinoids
D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D006873:Hydroquinones; D009539:Nicotinic Acids; D009824:Ointments; C086827:tazarotene; D012176:Retinoids; C031927:hydroquinone