Topical tazarotene cream (0.1%) in the treatment of facial acne: an open clinical trial.

Author(s): Zakaria AS, Paul HK, Rahman MA, Islam MT, Choudhury AM

Affiliation(s): Department of Dermatology & Venereology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka.

Publication date & source: 2010-08, Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull., 36(2):43-6.

Publication type: Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND: Tazarotene is a new 3rd generation topical acetylenic retinoid. It normalizes keratinocyte differentiation, reduces keratinocyte proliferation and decreases expression of inflammatory markers. Tazarotene was approved by U.S.F.D.A. in 1997 for acne vulgaris. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical tazarotene 0.1% cream in the treatment of facial acne. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 67 patients with facial acne in the age range of 13-30 years were enrolled in the study. Purposive sampling was done. Patients were treated with topical Tazarotene cream (0.1%) and were instructed to apply the medication as a thin film over the affected area in the evening once daily for 12 weeks. Follow-up was done at 2nd, 4th week, 8th week and at 12th week. RESULTS: Of the 67 patients, 53% got remission, 9% had good response, 34% had poor response and there was no response in 4% of the patients by 12 weeks of treatment. Among the patients, 9 (13.43%) developed mild side effects. CONCLUSION: Topical tazarotene cream (0.1%) is a effective and safe treatment option for acne vulgaris affecting face. It is mostly effective in grade-1 and grade-2 acne.