RecruitingEarly Phase 1

Efficacy of 0.5% Topical Timolol Eye Drops in the Treatment of Post-Inflammatory Erythema Following Acne Vulgaris

Vietnam60 participantsStarted 2026-03-09

Plain-language summary

Post-inflammatory erythema (PIE) is a common sequela of acne vulgaris, characterized by persistent erythematous macules resulting from superficial vascular dilation. Current treatment options include energy-based devices such as intense pulsed light (IPL); however, these modalities may be costly and require specialized equipment. Timolol, a non-selective beta-adrenergic receptor blocker, has demonstrated vasoconstrictive properties and has been used off-label in dermatology for vascular-related conditions. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical 0.5% timolol ophthalmic solution in improving post-inflammatory erythema secondary to acne vulgaris and to compare its clinical outcomes with those achieved by intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy. This prospective comparative study will assess changes in erythema severity using standardized clinical evaluation and objective measurement tools over a defined treatment period. The findings may provide evidence for a cost-effective and accessible therapeutic alternative for managing post-acne erythema.

Who can participate

Age range

12 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: Participants must meet all of the following criteria: * Age ≥ 12 years with a history of acne vulgaris. * Clinically diagnosed with post-inflammatory erythema (PIE) secondary to acne vulgaris. * Willing and able to provide informed consent (or assent with parental/guardian consent if under 18 years of age). Exclusion Criteria: * Refusal to participate or inability to comply with study procedures (examinations, treatment, follow-up visits), or loss to follow-up. * Presence of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) at the study site that may interfere with accurate assessment of erythema. * Presence of other dermatologic conditions affecting the treatment area (e.g., atopic dermatitis, rosacea, lupus erythematosus). * Known hypersensitivity or adverse reaction to timolol or other beta-adrenergic receptor blockers. * Pregnant or breastfeeding women. * History of cardiovascular or respiratory conditions contraindicating beta-blocker use (e.g., asthma, atrioventricular block, bradycardia \<50 beats per minute, hypotension). * Use of other topical medications or cosmetic products (except sunscreen) on the study area during the study period.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Change in Post-Inflammatory Erythema Severity Score measured by Clinician Erythema Assessment (CEA) Scale 0-4

Timeframe: Baseline, Day 14 and Day 28

Number of Post Inflammatory Erythema lesions

Timeframe: Baseline, Day 14 and Day 28

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07474883

SponsorPham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-08-09

Contact for this trial

Pham Duc Vu

+84 913681158 vupham14@pnt.edu.vn

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Post Inflammtory Erythema trials