Efficacy and safety of the combined drug (5% benzoyl peroxide / 1% clindamycin) in the treatment of acne: results of an open randomized comparative clinical study

Abstract

Background. Acne is one of the most common dermatoses, the presence of which significantly reduces the quality of life of patients. For patients with inflammatory, comedonal or combined acne, the external use of fixed combinations is a first-line therapy. Aims. To study the efficacy and safety of the Zerkalin Intensive (benzoyl peroxide + clindamycin) in the treatment of acne in comparison with the Effezel (adapalene + benzoyl peroxide). Methods. An open comparative clinical study included 60 patients with acne of varying severity: group 1 — 30 patients received therapy with Zerkalin Intensive, group 2 — 30 patients received therapy with Effezel 1 time a day in the evening. The effectiveness of therapy was evaluated 2 weeks, 1, 2 and 3 months after the start of treatment. Results. After 1 month of therapy, there was a significant improvement (resolution of elements by at least 70%) in 9 (30%) patients of the group 1 and in 9 (30%) patients of the group 2 (p = 1.000); improvement (decrease in the severity of the pathological process by at least 25%) — in 12 (40%) and 18 (60%) patients, respectively (p = 0.106). After 2 months of using Zerkalin Intensive and Effezel, complete resolution of rashes was observed in 11 (36.7%) and 6 (20%), respectively (p = 0.395); significant improvement in 13 (43.3%) and 11 (36.7%) patients (p = 0.628); improvement in 6 (20%) and 13 (43.3%), respectively. After 3 months complete resolution of rashes was observed in 24 (80%) patients of the group 1 and in 12 (40%) patients of the group 2 (p = 0.088); significant improvement in 5 (16.7%) and 11 (36.6%) patients (p = 0.236); improvement in 1 (3.3%) and 7 (23.3%) patients, respectively. Against the background of the use of Effezel, 20 (66.7%) patients showed the appearance of slight dry skin and redness. No side effects were detected when using the Zerkalin Intensive. Conclusions. A comparable high efficiency of Zerkalin Intensive and Effezel in acne therapy has been established. Use of Zerkalin Intensive made it possible to achieve the onset of a full clinical effect and a significant improvement in the clinical picture in a larger number of patients and in a shorter time.