Pharmacology and therapeutics: Therapeutic potential of azithromycin in rosacea, International Journal of Dermatology, Volume 43 Issue 2, Page 151, February 2004, Ozgur Bakar, MD, Zeynep Demircay, MD, and Oya Gurbuz, MD
Abstract: Background Systemic antibiotics currently used in the treatment of rosacea are sometimes associated with uncomfortable side-effects. Therefore, a need for an effective agent with few side-effects and good patient compliance exists. Azithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic with prolonged mode of action, has recently been found to be an effective alternative in the treatment of inflammatory acne. We planned a study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of azithromycin in rosacea.
Methods: An open-labeled study was performed in a population of 18 patients, with Plewig-Kligman stage 2 rosacea. Patients were given oral azithromycin for 12 weeks in decreasing doses.
Results: Fourteen subjects completed the trial. The treatment produced therapeutic benefits with regard to total scores as well as inflammatory lesion scores. At the end of 12 weeks, there was a 75% decrease in total scores (P < 0.001) and an 89% decrease in inflammatory lesion scores compared with basal values. Improvement continued during the 4 weeks after treatment. Adverse effects were minimal and well tolerated in most patients.
Conclusion: Azithromycin is a promising agent in the treatment of rosacea with its few side-effects and good patient compliance.
2 comments ↓
It’s true! I’m on azithromycin right now for an infection, and the past couple days I’ve noticed huge improvements in the condition of my skin. I’m 16 and have mild rosacea and this has made it disappear. I wish I could keep taking it!
I just called my dermatologist to get on this! I was put on a Z-pack for a nasty sinus infection and it cleared up my rosacea within a few days!! I only hope I can keep this going and enjoy a break from my flare ups!!! Can’t wait to hear back from the doctor, but I am quite hopeful!!
Leave a Comment