Topical tetracycline in the treatment of acne vulgaris

Topical tetracycline was the first topical antibiotic approved for the treatment of acne, its use has been limited because of the skin penetration problems of the active ingredient.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a new formulation of topical tetracycline [Imex, tetracycline hydrochloride 3%, 20g] monotherapy in the treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris.

The sample group consisted of 87 volunteer students of both sexes with grade 1 to grade 2 acne as assessed by Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) severity grading system. Subjects were instructed to apply topical tetracycline twice daily for 8 weeks. Subject were evaluated at baseline and at weeks 2, 4, and 8.

Of 87 subjects, 68 completed the 8-week treatment period. The mean reduction rates of opened comedones were 55.4%, closed comedones were 27.1%, papules were 24.8%, pustules were 27.3%. After 8 weeks of treatment, a statistically significant reduction was only observed in the mean counts of the papules and pustules (P < 0.001).

Tetracycline is a well-tolerated topical agent and is particularly effective in the treatment of inflammatory lesions in acne.