Topical Tetracycline in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris

Background: 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.
Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a new formulation of topical tetracycline [Imex®, tetra-cycline hydrochloride 3%, 20g] monotherapy in the treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris.
Methods: The sample group consisted of 87 volunteer students of both sexes with grade 1 to grade 2 acne as assessed by Investiga- tor’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.
Results: 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).
Conclusion: Tetracycline is a well-tolerated topical agent and is particularly effective in the treatment of inflammatory lesions in acne.