Abstract

Introduction: Oral isotretinoin is used for the treatment of moderate to severe acne vulgaris in refractory cases. Prospective observational clinical study to asses and compare two different regimens of isotretinoin with respect to efficacy of treatment and side effects. Material and Methods: Hundred patients of either sex having moderate to severe acne vulgaris, according to Global Acne Grading System in age group of 18-35 years were enrolled. The patients were divided into two treatment groups. Group A patients received conventional dosage isotretinion i.e. 20mg oral once daily for 4 months and Group B patients received interrupted dosage Isotretinoin – 20mg once daily for one week out of every 4 weeks. Acne grading was evaluated and recorded using the global acne grading system (GAGS) score for treatment and its efficacy. Results: Sixty five percent patients were less than 20 years age. Disease was more common in males (77%) than females (23%). Muco-cutaneous dryness was the most common adverse effect noted in both the groups. Low dose of continuous oral isotretinoin proved better in terms of clinical efficacy than low dose interrupted therapy, considering improvement in lesions and patients satisfaction level. Conclusion: Low dose continous isotretinoin is safe, effective and well tolerated with lesser side effects in the treatment of acne vulagris.

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