Clinical experience with the combination of adapalene 0.1% and metronidazole 1% in topical acne therapy

Background. Acne is a common chronic disease with a significant deterioration in the quality of life. Antibiotics play a key role in treatment. However, the emergence of new resistant or strains of pathogens cross-resistance, the development of various side effects and poor tolerability of therapy are factors that sometimes limit its use. Successful acne treatment requires careful selection of medicines in accordance with the clinical picture and the individual needs of the patient. Many researchers argue that the gut microbiota may be involved in the pathogenic process of acne and new microbiome-based therapies are relevant. There are a very limited number of studies on the use of metronidazole in the topical treatment of acne. Objective. Evaluation of the clinical efficacy, safety and tolerability of Metrogyl A gel (a combination of adapalene 0.1% and metronidazole 1%) for topical use in the treatment of patients with moderate acne. Methods. A direct, open, single-arm study of the efficacy, safety and tolerability of Metrogyl A gel for topical use was carried out. Thirty patients with moderate acne were included in the 8-week study. Metrogyl A gel was applied to acne-affected areas of the face 1 time a day at bedtime. At the end of treatment, patients were surveyed about their satisfaction with the prescribed therapy. Results. By the 8th week of follow-up, 8 (27%) patients achieved significant clinical improvement, 22 (73%) - clinical improvement. The identified side effects of therapy in the form of a slight burning sensation in 12 (40%) patients and moderate dryness of the skin in 22 (73%) were stopped by the use of dermatocosmetics. Conclusion. The clinical results obtained indicate that the combination of adapolene 0.1% and metronidazole 1% is effective in the treatment of patients with moderate acne and has a high safety and tolerability profile.

acne, microbiome, skin, intestines, metronidazole