Acne gel found effective in two studies
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - The results of two pivotal studies demonstrate that a topical antibiotic gel sold as Aczone is safe and effective against severe blemishes and pimples go along with being a teenager.
The acne gel permits safe and effective doses of dapsone, the active ingredient, to be administered topically with minimal internal absorption.
In two identically designed 12-week studies, 3,010 acne sufferers aged 12 or older were randomly assigned to twice daily Aczone or inactive control gel.
Aczone-treated patients achieved "superior results," Dr. Zoe D. Draelos, of Dermatology Counseling Services in Highpoint, North Carolina, and associates report in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
A significantly greater number of patients treated with Aczone had "no acne or minimal acne on completion of treatment," they write.
In some cases, acne began to clear as early as 2 weeks after beginning Aczone.
Aczone gel, Draelos told Reuters Health, "represents the first new antibiotic for acne therapy in many years."
"For individuals who would like to avoid the side effects and issues regarding oral antibiotics, topical dapsone is an effective alternative," Draelos added.
The most common side effects reported in clinical trials with Aczone include oiliness/peeling, dryness and abnormal redness of the skin.
Aczone is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of acne in patients 12 years and older.
SOURCE: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, March 2007.
