A placebo-controlled clinical trial to compare a gel containing a combination of isotretinoin (0.05%) and erythromycin (2%) with gels containing isotretinoin (0.05%) or erythromycin (2%) alone in the topical treatment of acne vulgaris

Purpose: To compare the clinical benefit of isotretinoin (0.05%) and erythromycin (2%) gels alone and in combination (Isotrexin(TM)) in acne patients, Procedure: The study was a randomised placebo-controlled trial in acne patients who should benefit from topical therapy, Results:All treatment groups except placebo produced a time-related reduction in lesion counts, with the combined therapy producing the largest mean decrease. Between-group comparisons showed several significant differences. Conclusion: Isotrexin was significantly better than placebo at all time points for inflamed and total lesions, and was better than isotretinoin at week 4. Side-effects were minimal.