Azelaic acid 15% gel once daily versus twice daily in papulopustular rosacea.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Twice-daily azelaic acid (AzA) is the conventional regimen for papulopustular rosacea, but once-daily AzA may be equally effective, with greater convenience and dosing flexibility. In order to test this hypothesis, an exploratory study was conducted.

METHODS:

The evaluable efficacy population of this 12-week double-blind, parallel-group study included 72 patients and the population that was used to report safety results included 92 patients. Baseline characteristics were comparable between the once-daily and twice-daily study groups. Evaluations were performed at baseline and at weeks 4, 8, and 12.

RESULTS:

No significant difference was found between the once-daily and twice-daily groups at the end of study therapy in mean investigator global assessment (IGA) scores, treatment success, or treatment response. The mean number of inflammatory lesions, the intensity of erythema intensity, and the intensity of telangiectasia at treatment end were likewise not significantly different (P>.205 for all). More than 90% of subjects in each group rated cosmetic acceptability of this AzA gel as satisfactory or better.

CONCLUSION:

Based on these findings and those of prior studies, once-daily AzA 15% gel can therefore be utilized as a safe, effective, and economical dosing option for the treatment of mild-to-moderate papulopustular rosacea. Once-daily dosing of AzA 15% gel was well accepted by patients and can offer considerable dosing flexibility and convenience for the patient as well as for the dermatologist.

• Authors: Diane M Thiboutot, Alan B Fleischer Jr, James Q Del Rosso, Klaus Graupe
• Journal: Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD (J Drugs Dermatol) Vol. 7 Issue 6 Pg. 541-6 (Jun 2008) ISSN: 1545-9616 [Print] United States
• PMID: 18561584 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Dermatologic Agents
• Dicarboxylic Acids
• Gels
• azelaic acid

Topics

• Dermatologic Agents (administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Dicarboxylic Acids (administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Drug Administration Schedule
• Female
• Gels
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Patient Compliance
• Patient Satisfaction
• Rosacea (drug therapy)
• Treatment Outcome