Efficacy of oral isotretinoin in combination with desloratadine versus oral isotretinoin alone in the treatment of moderate acne vulgaris
Keywords:
Acne vulgaris, Isotretinoin, DesloratadineAbstract
Objective To compare the efficacy of oral isotretinoin used alone versus used in combination with desloratadine for moderate acne vulgaris.  Methods It is a randomized controlled trial conducted at the Department of Dermatology Unit-I, Mayo Hospital, Lahore from October 25, 2020 to April 25, 2021. A total 108 patients between the ages of 15-35 years who had moderate acne vulgaris (as defined by Global Acne Grading System score of 19-30) were enrolled. Group-A was prescribed Oral Isotretinoin 20mg along with desloratadine 5mg, while Group-B was given oral Isotretinoin 20 mg only. At baseline, pre-treatment Global Acne Grading System (GAGS) score was calculated. Patients of both groups were examined at 4, 8, and 12 weeks and final evaluation was done at 16 weeks of treatment. Efficacy was defined as >90% reduction in GAGS score. Percentage reduction in the GAGS score was calculated and efficacy scaled at the final visit at 16th week of treatment.  Results In group-A, 13(24.1%) were males and 41(75.9%) were females and in group-B, 16(29.6%) were males and 38(70.4%) were females. The average age of patients in group-A was 21.7±3.2 years while in group-B was 22.5±3.3 years. In group-A, 42(77.8%) had efficacy while in group-B, 28(51.9%) had efficacy with a p-value 0.005, which is statistically significant.  Conclusion For treating moderate acne vulgaris, combining oral Isotretinoin with desloratadine augments the curative effect of isotretinoin as compared to using isotretinoin only. ÂReferences
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