NCT07474883

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

Efficacy of 0.5% Topical Timolol Eye Drops in the Treatment of Post-Inflammatory Erythema Following Acne Vulgaris: A Comparative Study With Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: EARLY_Phase 1
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 12 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

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.

Conditions

• Post Inflammtory Erythema
• Acne Vulgaris
• Erythema

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DRUG	Timolol 0.5% Ophthalmic Solution	Participants will apply topical timolol 0.5% ophthalmic solution to affected areas twice daily for 4 weeks. The medication will be gently applied to post-inflammatory erythematous lesions following acne vulgaris. Clinical response will be assessed at baseline and scheduled follow-up visits.
DEVICE	Intense Pulsed Light	Participants will receive Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy targeting post-inflammatory erythema lesions. Treatment will be performed once at the beginning, according to standard dermatologic protocols. Clinical improvement will be evaluated at each follow-up visit.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-03-09
• Primary completion: 2026-08-09
• Completion: 2026-10-09
• First posted: 2026-03-16
• Last updated: 2026-04-01

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Vietnam