Meta-analysis of topical tazarotene in the treatment of mild to moderate acne.

Topical tazarotene has shown superior efficacy over other topical retinoids, including adapalene and tretinoin, in the treatment of mild to moderate acne. A meta-analysis of data from 6 multicenter, double-blind, randomized comparative trials was performed to determine how patient characteristics influence the efficacy and tolerability of topical tazarotene. Data on 468 patients who used tazarotene 0.1% gel or cream once daily for 12 weeks were collected. Topical tazarotene was effective and well tolerated, regardless of patients' acne severity, skin type, sex, or ethnicity. In general, 'using the cream formulation rather than the gel formulation optimized tolerability. These results indicate that topical tazarotene 0.1% gel and cream are efficacious and well-tolerated treatment options for clearing acne vulgaris across a broad range of patients.