The efficacy and tolerability of 10mg and 20 mg day isotretinoinin the treatment of acne vulgaris in Iraqi patients

Abstract EN

Back ground: Oral isotretinoin is recommended for sever nodulocystic acne in the doses 0.5- 2mg/kg/day which is usually associated with higher incidence of adverse effects.

To reduce the incidence of side-effects and to make it more costeffective, the lower dose regimen of isotretinoin has been used.

Aim: To compare the efficacy and tolerability of oral isotretinoin 10mg and 20mg/day in acne vulgaris.

Methods: one hundred and twenty patients with acne vulgaris were randomized into two treatment regimens each consisting of 60 patients.

The first was treated with 10mg/day and the second group with 20mg/day for 24 weeks.

Fifty five patients from the first group and 47 patients from the second group who continued the study for 24 week and 8 weeks after cessation of therapy.

The response rate was recorded in the form of acne load and acne grade initially, during treatment and after 8 from stopping treatment.

Side effects were also recorded in both groups.

Results: The response rate in both groups was comparable in mild, moderate, and severe acne vulgaris patients.

Frequency and severity of treatment-related side-effects were significantly higher in the second group as compared to the first group.

Conclusion: 10mg/dayisotretinoin can be used in the treatment of mild, moderate and severe acne with less side effects as compared to 20mg/day