Randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study of oral tranexamic acid in the treatment of moderate-to-severe melasma
Del Rosario E, et al.
Published in Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Methodology
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral tranexamic acid 250 mg twice daily for 3 months in moderate-to-severe melasma, with modified MASI scoring at baseline, monthly on treatment and during 3-month follow-up.
Key Findings
In 44 patients with moderate-to-severe melasma, oral tranexamic acid 250 mg twice daily for 3 months reduced modified MASI scores by about 49% versus 18% with placebo, with benefit largely maintained during a 3-month post-treatment follow-up and no thrombotic events reported.
Conclusions
Low-dose oral tranexamic acid is an effective adjunct for moderate-to-severe melasma over 3 months, though thrombotic risk screening remains essential and this is a drug, not a supplement.
Limitations
Small single-centre trial, 12-week treatment period too short to detect rare thromboembolic events, mostly darker-skin-type participants from one clinic, and relapse after longer follow-up not characterised.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
Academic institutional funding
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