RESUMEN
Background: Acne vulgaris is a very common skin disease that is usually treated with topical products, systemic medications, or a combination of both. Acne vulgaris affects approximately 9% of the population worldwide causing permanent physical scarring, negatively affects the quality of life and self-image, and has been associated with increased rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. Methods: This was a prospective study conducted at BMCRI including thirty-five subjects who were diagnosed with mild to moderate acne vulgaris. Patients were treated with topical clindamycin 1% with nicotinamide 4%. Efficacy was assessed by mean change in acne severity index (ASI) and total lesion count (TLC) from baseline and at the end of 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Safety was assessed by adverse events reported. Results: There was statistically significant improvement noted at the end of each visit. Baseline ASI was 88.05±4.02 and end of 12 weeks was 14.17±2.7. Baseline TLC was 30.17±1.33 and at the end of 12 weeks was 4.25±0.99. Both the ASI and TLC results were statistically significant at the end of fourth, eighth and twelfth-week p value <0.0001. Conclusions: Combination topical formulations are the most broadly used treatment regimen for Acne vulgaris to target one or more steps in the pathogenesis of acne. From the results of the present study the participants on combination of clindamycin with nicotinamide had a significant improvement in acne lesions at end of 12th week of topical application and were satisfied with the therapy with no major adverse effects.
RESUMEN
Background: Pharmacotherapy is the mainstay of allergic rhinitis and many caregivers use over-the-counter antihistamines. Bepotastine is a novel oral second generation non-sedative antihistamine and an effective treatment option for allergic rhinitis. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the efficacy and safety of bepotastine versus cetirizine an over the counter drug.Methods: A prospective, randomized, open-label, parallel-group study was conducted among 60 patients fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Group A (n=30) received tablet cetirizine 10 mg once daily and Group B (n=30) received tablet bepotastine 10 mg once daily. Efficacy was assessed by mean change in total symptom score (TSS) which is the sum of total nasal symptom score and total ocular symptom score at the end of two weeks from baseline.Results: At the end of two weeks of treatment, both groups showed statistically significant (p<0.005) improvements from their baseline TSS. Mean TSS was reduced from12.36±2.12 to 4.2±1.66 in group A and from 13.33±3.039 to 3.033±1.40 in Group B. Significant statistical difference in TSS was seen more in Group B than Group A (p<0.005).Conclusions: Both the groups showed a substantial therapeutic benefit in patients with allergic rhinitis, however bepotastine is more effective.