Efficacy of oral tranexamic acid in patients with melasma
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66344/jpad.v33i2.2109Abstract
Background Tranexamic acid has emerged as a promising treatment for melasma; however, few controlled studies exist. Oral tranexamic acid has been reported to be effective for treating melasma however, the effect of topical tranxemic acid remains controversial. The purposed mechanism is that it reduces the synthesis of melanin by its inhibitory effect on plasminogen-keratinocyte interaction which in turn decreases tyrosinase levels.
Objective To determine the efficacy of oral tranexamic acid for management of patients presenting with melasma.
Methods A total of 80 patients of moderate to severe melasma, 15 to 50 years of age were included. Patients were given 250 mg tranexamic acid twice daily alongwith sunscreen creams for the duration of 3 months. The patients were followed up every month. Efficacy was assessed by decrease in mMASI score from the baseline.
Results Eighty patients with age range from 15 to 50 years were included in the study. Mean age was 31.94±6.29 years. There were 23 (28.75%) males and 57 (71.25%) females with male to female ratio 1:2.5. Mean duration of disease was 10.19 ± 2.09 months. Mean baseline modified melasma area severity index (mMASI) score was 23.04±5.14. Efficacy of oral tranexamic acid in patients with melasma was found in 32 (40.0%) patients.
Conclusion Oral tranexamic acid is efficacious, safe and well tolerated treatment option for patients with moderate to severe melasma.
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