Comparison of Topical 5% Nicotinamid and 2% Clindamycin Gels in the Treatment of the Mild to Moderate Acne Vulgaris: A Double-Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: Acne vulgaris is considered as one of the most common disorders for which, patients seek dermatologic care. In the current study, we evaluated the efficacy of the 5% nicotinamide gel versus 2% clindamycin gel in the treatment of the mild to moderate acne vulgaris. Methods: This randomized, controlled clinical trial was performed in 2009-2010. Sixty female patients with mild or moderate acne vulgaris were recruited to be treated either with 5% nicotinamide or 2% clindamycin gel for 8 weeks. Acne severity index (ASI) was used to evaluate the response to treatment and SPSS software was used to analyze the data. Findings: The mean of ASI at the baseline was 16.85 ± 8.50 and 18.20 ± 12.27 in nicotinamide and clindamycin groups, respectively (P > 0.0500). The mean of ASI was significantly decreased compared with baseline during the time in both groups (P < 0.0001). However, there was not any significant difference regarding reduction of ASI between the nicotinamide and clindamycin groups (P = 0.5830). Conclusion: Five percent nicotinamide gel is as effective as 2% clindamycin gel for treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris. No side effect was observed during the treatment.

Keywords

• Acne
• Clindamycin
• Nicotinamide
• Treatment