Topical Oxymetazoline Hydrochloride Cream 1% for the Treatment of Persistent Facial Erythema of Rosacea in Adults: A Comprehensive Review of Current Evidence.

Rosacea is a chronic, multisymptom, inflammatory condition that affects the centrofacial skin. Facial erythema associated with rosacea can negatively impact a patient's quality of life and is often hard to treat. We sought to review the literature on the role of alpha-adrenergic receptors (α-adrenoceptors) in the context of persistent facial erythema in patients with rosacea and the use of oxymetazoline hydrochloride cream 1% as a topical treatment. PubMed was searched; search terms included "alpha adrenoceptor," "oxymetazoline," and "rosacea." Additional articles were identified from the reference lists of the results. Some α-adrenoceptor agonists have vasoconstrictive properties and may be used topically to treat persistent facial erythema in rosacea. Oxymetazoline hydrochloride cream 1% is an α-adrenoceptor agonist approved for the treatment of persistent facial erythema associated with rosacea. Based on our review, we discuss the role of the α-adrenoceptor in persistent facial erythema; provide an overview of the mechanism of action of α-adrenoceptor agonists, such as oxymetazoline, in the treatment of persistent facial erythema; and summarize the clinical development and data to date demonstrating the efficacy and safety of oxymetazoline in the treatment of persistent facial erythema associated with rosacea. The review of available literature suggests that oxymetazoline cream is well-tolerated, safe, and effective for the treatment of persistent facial erythema in rosacea and is an important component of combination treatment regimens, which are likely to become the standard of treatment for rosacea in the future.