Azithromycin for the treatment of nodular acne

Abstract

Azithromycin, administered systemically, is an effective treatment for nodules associated with acne vulgaris.

1 . A method for treating severe acne vulgaris present in the skin of an individual suffering signs and symptoms therefrom comprising systemically administering azithromycin to the individual in an amount and for a time sufficient to ameliorate the signs and symptoms of the severe acne vulgaris. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein azithromycin is the sole agent systemically administered to the individual for the treatment of acne vulgaris. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the systemic administration of the azithromycin is oral. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the azithromycin is in the form of a tablet. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the azithromycin is administered to the individual in a dosage regimen lasting one month or longer. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the azithromycin is administered daily. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the azithromycin is administered in a pulsed-dosing regimen. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the average dosage of azithromycin administered over the course of treatment is 250 mg/day or less. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein, during each day of the course of treatment, the azithromycin is administered at a dosage of 250 mg or less. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9  wherein, during each day of the course of treatment, the azithromycin is administered at a dosage of 125 mg or less. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the azithromycin is administered to the individual in a dosage regimen lasting one month or longer. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the azithromycin is administered in conjunction with a systemic medication effective for treating acne vulgaris. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the systemic medication is isotretinoin. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the azithromycin is administered in combination with one or more topical anti-acne therapies or medications. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14  wherein the topical anti-acne medication is a retinoid. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the retinoid is selected from the group consisting of tretinoin, isotretinoin. adapalene and tazarotene. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 1  wherein a topical antibiotic is not co-administered with the azithromycin. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the form of azithromycin that is administered is azithromycin monohydrate or azithromycin dihydrate. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the severe acne vulgaris is at least as severe as defined as Grade 4 in the FDA IGA Scale for Acne Vulgaris. 
     
     
         20 . A method for treating acne associated with nodules in an individual suffering signs and symptoms therefrom comprising systemically administering azithromycin to the individual in an amount and for a time sufficient to ameliorate the signs and symptoms. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20  wherein azithromycin is the sole agent systemically administered to the individual for the treatment of acne vulgaris. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 20  wherein the systemic administration of the azithromycin is oral. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 22  wherein the azithromycin is in the form of a tablet. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 20  wherein the azithromycin is administered to the individual in a dosage regimen lasting one month or longer. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 20  wherein the azithromycin is administered daily. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 20  wherein the azithromycin is administered in a pulsed-dosing regimen. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 20  wherein the average dosage of azithromycin administered over the course of treatment is 250 mg/day or less. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 27  wherein, during each day of the course of treatment, the azithromycin is administered at a dosage of 250 mg or less. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 28  wherein, during each day of the course of treatment, the azithromycin is administered at a dosage of 125 mg or less. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 29  wherein the azithromycin is administered to the individual in a dosage regimen lasting one month or longer. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 20  wherein the azithromycin is administered in conjunction with a systemic medication effective for treating acne vulgaris. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 31  wherein the systemic medication is isotretinoin. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 20  wherein the azithromycin is administered in combination with one or more topical anti-acne therapies or medications. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 33  wherein the topical anti-acne medication is a retinoid. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 34  wherein the retinoid is selected from the group consisting of tretinoin, isotretinoin, adapalene and tazarotene. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 20  wherein the form of azithromycin that is administered is azithromycin monohydrate or azithromycin dihydrate. 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 20  wherein the acne is at least as severe as defined as Grade 4 in the FDA IGA Scale for Acne Vulgaris.