EFFICACY OF ORAL TRANEXAMIC ACID VERSUS PLACEBO IN THE TREATMENT OF EPIDERMAL MELASMA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69656/pjp.v22i1.1841Keywords:
Efficacy, Epidermal Melasma, MASI score, Placebo, Tranexamic Acid, TreatmentAbstract
Background: Epidermal melasma, a common hyperpigmentation disorder, can cause significant psychological and social distress. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of oral tranexamic acid (TXA) in treatment of epidermal melasma. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Dermatology Department, PIMS, Islamabad, from Oct 2020 to Apr 2021. A total of 202 patients aged 13–60 years with epidermal melasma for at least six months, and a Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) score of 20–36, were randomly assigned to two groups. Group A received oral TXA (250 mg twice daily), while Group B received a placebo. Patients were assessed at four-week intervals, with final evaluation at 12 weeks. Statistical comparisons were performed using t-tests and Chi-square tests. Results: At three months, the mean MASI reduction was significantly greater in Group A (22.6±8.1) than in Group B (13.7±6.6, p=0.001), with a higher mean percent reduction in Group A (60.2±20.3 vs 37.7±19.5%), (p=0.001). An excellent or good response was observed in 67.3% of Group A patients compared to 21.8% in Group B (p=0.001). Conclusion: Oral TXA significantly reduced MASI scores compared to placebo, demonstrating superior efficacy in improving epidermal melasma.
Pak J Physiol 2026;22(1):24–7, DOI: https://doi.org/10.69656/pjp.v22i1.1841
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Copyright (c) 2026 Jehanzeb Sikandar Rana, Sumyra Saleem, Muhammad Erfan, Sadia Lodhi, Hina Aslam, Mehwish Tayyab
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