Efficacy and Safety of Topical Flutamide 1% Gel as an Adjunctive Therapy in the Treatment of Patients With Acne Vulgaris

Abstract

Background Acne vulgaris is a worldwide dermatological condition that has a complex pathophysiology in which androgens play an important role. Flutamide is a first-generation non-steroidal antiandrogen that can be used for acne treatment. Aim To evaluate the potential therapeutic efficacy and safety of topical flutamide in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Methods A andomized controlled study included two equal groups, each had 27 patients, with a total of 54 patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris having inflammatory (papules and pustules) and non-inflammatory (comedones) lesions. For eight weeks, Group (A) received 1% Flutamide topical gel on the face twice daily, whereas Group (B) served as the control group. Result After 8 weeks of topical Flutamide 1% gel application twice daily, there was a significant reduction in papules count, and a highly significant reduction in pustules number from baseline. Limitations We recommend that topical Flutamide 1% gel be tried on a larger number of patients with acne vulgaris, for longer therapeutic duration and follow up periods after treatment. Conclusion Patients with acne vulgaris may find topical Flutamide 1% gel to be a viable, efficient, and safe solution with few adverse effects.