The comparative efficacy of benzoyl peroxide 5%/erythromycin 3% gel and erythromycin 4%/zinc 1.2% solution in the treatment of acne vulgaris.

Author(s): Chu A, Huber FJ, Plott RT

Affiliation(s): Department of Dermatology, Hammersmith Hospital, London, U.K.

Publication date & source: 1997-02, Br J Dermatol., 136(2):235-8.

Publication type: Clinical Trial; Randomized Controlled Trial

This randomized 10-week study compared the efficacy of benzoyl peroxide 5%/erythromycin 3% gel with erythromycin 4%/zinc 1.2% solution in 72 acne vulgaris patients. Physician global evaluations were significantly more improved (P < or = 0.05) in the benzoyl peroxide 5%/erythromycin 3% gel treatment group compared to erythromycin 4%/zinc 1.2% solution at week 2 and at each subsequent biweekly clinical visit. Inflammatory lesions (papules/pustules) were significantly more reduced (P < or = 0.005) in the benzoyl peroxide 5%/erythromycin 3% gel treatment group than the erythromycin 4%/zinc 1.2% solution at weeks 4 and 10. Comedones were significantly more reduced (P < or = 0.001) in the benzoyl peroxide 5%/erythromycin 3% gel treatment group than in the erythromycin 4%/zinc 1.2% solution group at weeks 8 and 10. Patient efficacy evaluations significantly (P < or = 0.001) favoured benzoyl peroxide 5%/erythromycin 3% gel to erythromycin 4%/zinc 1.2% solution.