Topical glycopyrrolate provides comparable outcomes as Botox for facial hyperhidrosis: Study

Egypt: Topical glycopyrrolate 2% was shown to be equally effective to Botulinum toxin A for the treatment of facial hyperhidrosis (HH) with faster onset but shorter duration of action, according to a study. The study was published in Dermatologic Surgery on June 17, 2022. 

Facial hyperhidrosis is a common problem that has both cosmetic and psychological impacts and interferes with quality of life. There is an availability of a wide range of treatment options for HH, however, finding the most effective and yet safe, tolerable option is the main target. Considering this, Shrook Khashaba, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt, and colleagues set out to investigate and compare the clinical efficacy, safety, and tolerability of topical 2% glycopyrrolate versus intradermal Botulinum toxin A injection in the treatment of facial HH in an open-label clinical trial. 

For this purpose, the researchers included 24 patients with primary facial HH. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: Group A included patients treated with intradermal Botulinum toxin A injection and Group B included patients treated with topical glycopyrrolate gel 2%. 

Before and after the treatment, a starch iodine test was performed to assess the response, along with the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale, and patient satisfaction.