Efficacy of low dose azithromycin versus rifampicin in recurrent furunculosis

Abstract

Objective To access the efficacy of low dose azithromycin versus rifampicin in recurrent furunculosis.   Methods This study was conducted at the Outpatient Department of Dermatology, DHQ teaching Hospital, Sargodha Medical College Sargodha from February 2019 to November 2019. 250 patients included in this study were divided into two groups containing 125 patients in each group. Both groups washed affected area or body with chlorhexidine soap daily, applied 2% mupirocin on lesions and in nostrils twice daily and took oral 400-600 mg tablet linezolid twice daily for 10-14 days. In addition, group A was prescribed azithromycin 500mg once weekly for next 3 months (12 weeks) and group B was prescribed rifampicin 450-600mg (10mg/kg body weight) once daily half hour before breakfast for 10 days. The drug is considered efficacious if the patient had no episode of furuncles during the 3â€month followâ€up after completion of full duration of treatment.   Results In group A, 17 patients (13.6%) reported back with recurrent furunculosis in contrast 16 patients (12.8%) of group B reported with recurrent furunculosis.   Conclusion It is concluded that of low dose azithromycin is as efficacious as rifampicin for treatment of recurrent furunculosis.