J Dermatolog Treat. 2026 Dec;37(1):2648406. doi: 10.1080/09546634.2026.2648406. Epub 2026 May 5.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disease and is one of the leading causes of dermatological morbidities among young adults. Doxycycline is widely recommended as first-line therapy for moderate to severe acne; however, its use is limited.
OBJECTIVE: To systematically compare the efficacy and safety of oral azithromycin pulse therapy versus doxycycline in patients with moderate to severe acne vulgaris.
METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis followed PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive literature search on different databases was performed. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. Mean differences (MDs) and risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled using random-effects models based on heterogeneity.
RESULTS: A total of 23 comparative studies comprising 2,769 patients were included. Pooled analysis demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in global acne severity favoring azithromycin (GAGS reduction: MD 1.81; 95% CI 1.28-2.34; I2 = 0%). Azithromycin achieved a significantly greater reduction in non-inflammatory lesion counts (MD -7.56; 95% CI -14.33 to -0.79). No significant differences were observed in inflammatory lesion reduction (MD 1.08; 95% CI -0.03 to 2.18).
CONCLUSION: Oral azithromycin pulse therapy appears to have similar efficacy, better tolerability, and fewer side effects as compared to doxycycline.
PMID:42083799 | DOI:10.1080/09546634.2026.2648406
