The efficacy of azithromycin in pityriasis rosea: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Macrolides are prescribed in the treatment of pityriasis rosea despite conflicting results of the limited number of studies evaluating their role in its treatment.

AIM:

A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of azithromycin on the clinical course of pityriasis rosea.

METHODS:

Seventy patients of pityriasis rosea were given either azithromycin (n=35) or placebo (n=35) and were followed-up at 2, 4 and 6 weeks. Pruritus was assessed in both groups using the visual analogue scale (VAS) . Change in the pityriasis rosea severity score (PRSS) and in the VAS were recorded as outcome measures and were compared statistically.

RESULTS:

The decrease in PRSS from baseline through 2, 4 and 6 weeks within both treatment (P<0.001) and placebo (P<0.001) arms was found to be statistically significant; however, this change was not significantly different in the two groups (P=0.179). Similarly, the decrease in VAS was found to be statistically significant within both groups (P<0.001); however, the change was comparable between the two groups (P<0.937). Analysis by Fisher's exact test did not find a significant difference between the two groups for PRSS and VAS.

CONCLUSION:

Azithromycin is not effective in pityriasis rosea and the use of macrolides for this disease should not be encouraged in clinical practice.

• Authors: Deepika Pandhi, Archana Singal, Prashant Verma, Reena Sharma
• Journal: Indian journal of dermatology, venereology and leprology (Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol) 2014 Jan-Feb Vol. 80 Issue 1 Pg. 36-40 ISSN: 0973-3922 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 24448121 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Anti-Bacterial Agents
• Azithromycin

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Anti-Bacterial Agents (therapeutic use)
• Azithromycin (therapeutic use)
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Pityriasis Rosea (complications, drug therapy)
• Prospective Studies
• Pruritus (etiology)
• Severity of Illness Index
• Young Adult