The efficacy and safety of oral ivermectin in the treatment of inflammatory rosacea: a clinical therapeutic trial

Background: Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown etiology. Few studies have been published on the use of oral ivermectin in the treatment of the inflammatory subset of rosacea. The aim of the present research was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral ivermectin prescribed for a series of patients with inflammatory rosacea. Methods: On a weekly basis, 29 patients with papulopustular rosacea were orally given ivermectin at a dose of 200 μg/kg before meal for three consecutive weeks. Subjects were evaluated weekly and during the follow-up period for two successive treatment-free months. Results: After 3 doses of ivermectin, there was a significant reduction in the total count of inflammatory lesions compared to the base line (the mean was reduced from 51.6±27.4 to 21±14.7) (P<0.05). At the end of the two-month follow-up period, more reduction was observed in inflammatory lesions (mean was reduced to 9.3±7), and 62% of the patients showed excellent responses to the treatment (≥ 80% reduction in the lesions). Nausea was reported in 10%. Conclusion: A three-week use of oral ivermectin is an effective, safe, and well-tolerated approach to treating inflammatory rosacea .