The efficacy, safety and tolerance of azithromycin pulse therapy in papulopustular acne in Iraqi patients

Abstract

Objective: to assess efficacy, safety, and tolerance of azithromycin in acne.Methods: open-label non- comparative therapeutic study  of 500 mg of azithromycin thrice weekly for 8 weeks in treatment of  moderate-sever papulopustular facial acne in Iraqi patients. Patients were examined by two  dermatologists and a full count of lesions, we used special grading system of papulopustular acne .The  lesions were counted at the beginning of the treatment (baseline, day 1) and at weeks (2,4,8). The  difference between the number of lesions at baseline and  in subsequent visits was used to evaluate the  efficacy of therapy. A difference equal to or greater than 50 % was considered "good-excellent", 20 –  50% "moderate," and < 20 % "poor".No topical therapy was associated.  All patients were also 
evaluated at   2 months, post-treatment follow-up visit. 74 patients were enrolled (11-27 years) with  moderate-sever papulopustular acne.  (72%) had excellent response, (12%) moderate response, (16%)  poor response. The pustular inflammatory acne responded more  dramatically, while the comedonal  lesions  more resistant.  No serious side effects were noticed. After the 8  week, patients advised to 
stop azithromycin and followed up for 2 months. Conclusions: azithromycin pulse therapy is safe, effective and tolerable antibiotic for mild-moderate inflammatory acne with very few side effects.