Efficacy of combination of topical 5% dapsone plus oral doxycycline versus topical adapalene plus oral doxycycline in the treatment of moderate acne vulgaris

Authors

  • Zakir Ullah khan Department of Dermatology, MTI-Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar
  • Ziaullah khan Department of Dermatology, MTI-Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar
  • Hashim khan Department of Dermatology, Naseerullah Khan Babar Memorial Hospital, Peshawar
  • Haya Sultan Department of Dermatology, MTI-Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar
  • Khizar Hayat Department of Dermatology, MTI-Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar
  • Maisan Bibi Department of Dermatology, MTI-Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.66344/jpad.v36i1.3290

Keywords:

Acne Vulgaris Dapsone Doxycycline

Abstract

Background Acne vulgaris is one of the most prevalent dermatological conditions worldwide, particularly affecting adolescents and young adults, with significant psychological and social impact. Topical and systemic agents are commonly combined to target multiple pathogenic pathways, yet comparative data on optimal regimens remain limited in the Pakistani population   Objective To compare the efficacy of combination of topical 5% dapsone and oral Doxycycline versus topical adapalene and oral Doxycycline in the treatment of moderate acne vulgaris.   Methods This Quasi Experimental Study with two arms was conducted at the Department of Dermatology, MTI-Hayatabad Medical Complex (HMC), Peshawar, from 01 October 2023 to 01 April 2024. A total of 160 patients were enrolled, with 80 patients in each group. Group A received topical 5% dapsone and oral Doxycycline, while Group B received topical adapalene and oral Doxycycline. Efficacy was evaluated using the Global Acne Grading System (GAGS) after 12 weeks of treatment.   Results In Group A, 27.5% showed excellent efficacy, while 26.25% in Group B showed similar results. Good and fair efficacy was observed in 25% of both groups. No significant difference in overall efficacy was observed between the groups (p=0.780).   Conclusion Both treatment combinations are effective for moderate acne vulgaris, with no statistically significant difference in efficacy between the groups. Either treatment regimen can be considered for managing moderate acne.  

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Published

2026-03-31

How to Cite

1.
khan ZU, khan Z, khan H, Sultan H, Hayat K, Bibi M. Efficacy of combination of topical 5% dapsone plus oral doxycycline versus topical adapalene plus oral doxycycline in the treatment of moderate acne vulgaris. J Pak Assoc Dermatol [Internet]. 2026Mar.31 [cited 2026Mar.31];36(1):95-100. Available from: https://www.jpad.com.pk/index.php/jpad/article/view/3290

Issue

Vol. 36 No. 1 (2026): January-March

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Original Articles

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