Azelaic acid 15% gel in the treatment of rosacea.

Abstract

Rosacea represents a chronic inflammatory dermatosis of uncertain pathophysiology. There are several associated risk factors and the need for long-term treatment is well recognized. This diverse disease is frequently difficult to manage and has a significant impact on quality of life. There are several topical and oral treatments available, of which azelaic acid 15% gel (Finacea) is the first new treatment for rosacea in more than a decade. Azelaic acid per se has multiple modes of action in rosacea, but an anti-inflammatory effect achieved by reducing reactive oxygen species appears to be the main pharmacological action. Clinical studies have shown that azelaic acid 15% gel is an effective and safe first-line topical therapeutic option in patients with mild-to-moderate papulopustular rosacea. Significant continuous improvement in the number of inflammatory lesions and in erythema has been shown over a period of 15 weeks. Adverse effects associated with azelaic acid 15% gel are mostly mild or transient and do not usually necessitate discontinuation of therapy.

• Authors: Harald Gollnick, Alison Layton
• Journal: Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy (Expert Opin Pharmacother) Vol. 9 Issue 15 Pg. 2699-706 (Oct 2008) ISSN: 1744-7666 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 18803456 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Dermatologic Agents
• Dicarboxylic Acids
• Gels
• azelaic acid

Topics

• Administration, Topical
• Dermatologic Agents (adverse effects, pharmacokinetics, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Dicarboxylic Acids (adverse effects, pharmacokinetics, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Gels
• Humans
• Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
• Rosacea (drug therapy)