Topical application of flutamide 1% gel safely reduces inflammatory lesions of acne vulgaris

In this randomized controlled study of 54 patients with a history of acne vulgaris, half of the participants were treated with topical flutamide 1% gel and the other half were treated with a vehicle for eight weeks. Papule and pustule count reduced significantly in those treated with Flutamide gel, while there was no significant reduction in comedone count.

Acne vulgaris is a dermatological condition. Androgens play an essential role in the complex pathophysiology of the condition. Flutamide is a first-generation nonsteroidal antiandrogen used for acne treatment. In this study, researchers evaluated topical flutamide's therapeutic efficacy and safety in treating acne vulgaris.

The study had two groups, Groups A and B, each had 27 patients having mild to moderate acne vulgaris having inflammatory (papules and pustules) and non-inflammatory (comedones) lesions. Group A received twice daily application of Flutamide topical gel on the face for eight weeks. Group (B) was the control group.

There was a significant reduction in papules count and a highly significant decrease in pustules number from baseline. The adverse effects were minor, with scaling being the most frequently observed adverse effect.

They said, "We recommend that topical application of Flutamide 1% gel be tried on a larger number of patients with acne vulgaris, for longer duration and follow up following treatment."

The study explains the effectiveness of topical Flutamide 1% gel as a viable, efficient, and safe solution for acne vulgaris patients.

Reference:

Nassar A, Sayed AE, Samy A, Essam R. Efficacy and Safety of Topical Flutamide 1% Gel as an Adjunctive Therapy in the Treatment of Patients With Acne Vulgaris. Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery. 2023;0(0). doi:10.1177/12034754231191475