EFFICACY OF ORAL AZITHROMYCIN AND ORAL DOXYCYCLINE IN PATIENTS WITH ACNE VULGARIS

Abstract

Background: Acne vulgaris is a long-term skin disease characterized by blackheads or whiteheads, pimples, oily skin, and possible scarring. Systemic antibiotics have long been used as a treatment option in patients with acne. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of oral doxycycline vs azithromycin in patients with acne vulgaris. Method: It was a randomized controlled trial conducted in the Department of Dermatology, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar from 1^st February to 30^th July 2021. A total of 60 patients were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomized into 2 groups with Group A receiving azithromycin and Group B receiving doxycycline. Patients’ number of lesions was counted and followed for 4 months. A reduction in 80% of lesions was considered effective. Results: The mean age of the patients was 21.24±3.84 years. There were 16 female and 14 male patients in group A and 17 female and 13 male patients in group B. The majority of patients in both groups were found to have responded to the treatment showing good efficacy. Conclusion: Oral doxycycline and azithromycin were highly effective in patients with acne vulgaris. Efficacy of both drugs was similar to each other.

Pak J Physiol 2023;19(2):25–7