The adjunctive effect of desloratadine on the combined azithromycin and isotretinoin in the treatment of severe acne: Randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Background: Desloratadine, when combined with isotretinoin, had a favorable effect in the treatment of moderate acne; however, its effect in severe nodulocystic acne remained to be elucidated. Aim of the Study: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of adding oral desloratadine to the combined azithromycin and isotretinoin regimen for severe acne. Patients and Methods: Patients were randomly classified into two groups: 1st (control) included 38 patients and received alternating isotretinoin and azithromycin orally and 2nd (intervention) group included 38 patients and received same regimen plus desloratadine 5 mg/day. Assessment was made at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 weeks of the trial. Results: In both groups, there was statistically significant reduction in count of inflammatory lesions at 12 weeks compared to baseline (59 ± 19–9 ± 7 for 2nd group and from 57 ± 18 to 21 ± 8 for control) (P 80%). Conclusion: Oral desloratadine had antiacne properties, and when combined with azithromycin plus isotretinoin protocol, it significantly improves severe acne lesions and minimizes the adverse drug reactions.

Keywords

• acne
• desloratadine
• nodulocystic
• severe