Topical erythromycin and zinc therapy for acne

J Am Acad Dermatol. 1990 Feb;22(2 Pt 1):253-60. doi: 10.1016/0190-9622(90)70034-f.

Abstract

A double-blind, 12-week study was undertaken to determine the safety and efficacy of a formulation of 4% erythromycin plus 1.2% zinc acetate compared with its vehicle. The study was continued for 40 weeks after the 12-week double-blind phase by switching vehicle-treated patients to active treatment and continuing to give patients treated with active drug the same treatment. Seventy-three female patients started the study; 39 completed 1 full year of study. In the first 12 weeks statistically significant differences were noted in the efficacy of the erythromycin-zinc compared with vehicle for acne severity grades (global assessment) and for papule, pustule, and comedo counts. After crossover, the vehicle-treated group receiving active therapy duplicated the improvement of the group initially treated with erythromycin-zinc. No clinical problems with superinfection or secondary infection occurred during 1 year of treatment in 39 patients.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Controlled Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acne Vulgaris / drug therapy*
  • Acne Vulgaris / pathology
  • Administration, Topical
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Drug Combinations
  • Erythromycin / administration & dosage
  • Erythromycin / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pharmaceutical Vehicles
  • Random Allocation
  • Time Factors
  • Zinc / administration & dosage
  • Zinc / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Drug Combinations
  • Pharmaceutical Vehicles
  • Erythromycin
  • Zinc