Topical metronidazole for rosacea
Article Abstract:
Rosacea is a common, chronic inflammatory facial rash of unknown cause, characterized by recurrent, pimple-like, pus-filled skin lesions on the central portion of the face. It is associated with redness and telangiectasia, or blood vessel lesions. Some patients may develop boils, cysts, granular growths, and tissue overgrowth leading to skin lesions on the nose and eye. Rosacea is more common in women, but skin lesions of the nose occur more often in men. Antibiotics such as tetracycline, erythromycin, and clindamycin have been used to treat rosacea and may be given by mouth, intravenously, or as a skin ointment. Isotretinoin is also effective, but has not been approved for treatment of rosacea. Oral metronidazole has also been used to treat rosacea, but its long-term use is associated with toxicity. A topical formulation or skin ointment of 0.75 percent metronidazole gel was recently approved for treating rosacea. Topical metronidazole was shown to be equally or more effective than oxytetracycline, tetracycline, or its vehicle, the solution in which it is dissolved, but did not improve lesions on the nose and eye. The gel is well tolerated and causes mild facial redness and stinging, and redness and watering of the eyes. Topical metronidazole is not recommended for use in nursing and pregnant women, but it is considered to be a safe and effective treatment for the pimple-like and pus-filled lesions and red rash associated with rosacea. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1989
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Topical terbinafine for tinea infections
Article Abstract:
Sandoz Ltd has permission to sell its antifungal medicine Lamisil in the US. Lamisil, generically known as terbinafine, is similar to naftifine. It is designed as a topical medicine for skin infections such as tinea corporis, tinea cruris and tinea pedis. Like other synthetic allylamine-based antifungal agents, Lamisil affects one of the components of the fungus's cell membrane. Terbinafine has been shown to be fairly effective in clinical trials, especially when used for about two weeks. Sandoz recommends applying it once or twice a day, depending on the exact type of infection, for one to four weeks. Although terbinafine is relatively expensive, it can be used for a shorter period of time than clotrimazole and still be as effective.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1993
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