Journal of

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Background and Aim: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of alopecia in men. Currently, minoxidil is the only topical drug which has been approved by FDA for the treatment of AGA. However, its efficacy is restricted because of its low skin penetration. Since vesicular systems such as liposomes and niosomes have higher efficacy and lower adverse effects, this study was conducted to compare the efficacy of topical niosomal minoxidil with conventional minoxidil in the treatment of AGA. Methods: This study was a randomized, controlled double-blind clinical trial. Ninety male patients with AGA according to Hamilton criteria were enrolled into this trial. The participants applied the interversion to which they were allocated twice a day, and were evaluated monthly for 6 months by a physician and patients self-assessments. Results: Eighty-eight patients completed the trial. Mean increased hair count in niosomal minoxidil group and conventional minoxidil group in the last visit were 28.18±11.00 and 14.22±5.23, respectively (P<0.001). Moreover, evaluation of treatment response according to the patients self-assessments were 8.72±5.03 and 3.33±2.67 in niosomal and conventional minoxidil, respectively, which revealed more satisfaction in niosomal group (P=0.001). With the exception of two cases in niosomal minoxidil group whom were withdraw due to scalp itching and erthema no other adverse effect was observed in either group. Conclusion: In the present study, application of topical niosomal minoxidil revealed an increase in the hair count in comparison with conventional minoxidil solution. Application of this new formulation for the treatment of AGA may be recommended.

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Background and Aim: Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit. Retinoids are used as the first line therapy in acne. Systemic absorption and skin irritation including redness, pruritus and exfoliation are some of their side effects. In this study we compared the efficacy of isotretinoin 0.05% niosomal gel versus adapalen 0.1% gel in treatment of acne vulgaris.

Methods: In this randomized double blind clinical trial, 144 patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris aged from 15 to 30 years were enrolled. The patients were randomly allocated into two groups of A, whom were treated with isotretinoin 0.05% niosomal gel and B whom were treated with adapalen 0.1% gel. The patients were evaluated for clinical reponse, decrease in the number of inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions and side effects after 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks of the initiation of treatment.

Results: At the end of the study the clinical responses of comedones and inflammatory lesions in isotretinoin 0.05% niosomal gel group were 68% and 79%, in comparison with 65% and 76% in the adapalen gel group,  respectively. The differences were not statistically significant. At the end of the treatment period more decrease in number of inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions were seen in group A patients (niosomal isotretinoin) than group B (adapalen 0.1% gel) (P<0.001). Also side effect of skin redness was found more in group B (P<0.001).

Conclusion: Isotretinoin 0.05% niosomal gel has less side effects and more efficacy in the treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris in comparison with adapalen 0.1% gel.