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

Abstract

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.