Journal of Research in Pharmacy Practice

Abstract This study was performed to investigate whether levetiracetam should be preferred to carbamazepine as a treatment choice for benign childhood epilepsy with centro Temporal spikes (BCECTS), the most common partial epilepsy of childhood. Methods: This randomized clinical trial study included 92 children with rolandic epilepsy aged 4–12 years referred to the Pediatric Neurology Clinic at Imam Hossein Hospital, Isfahan, Iran, from April 2019 to January 2020. Patients were selected consecutively and randomly assigned to two study groups (levetiracetam and carbamazepine groups). Patients were followed and revisited every 2 months for 6 months after starting the medication. The frequency and duration of seizure attacks and drug side effects were recorded before treatment and in bi-monthly visits. Data were analyzed by SPSS software Version 24 using Mann–Whitney U- test and Friedman test. Findings: In our study, the seizure frequency decrease was not significantly different between the two groups; however, patients in both groups showed significantly lower seizure frequency in 2, 4, and 6 months of follow-up compared to starting time. After a follow-up for 6 months, one out of 47 (2.1%) patients using levetiracetam showed intolerance, resulting in changing the medication. In addition, two out of 48 (4.1%) patients in the carbamazepine group had skin rashes. No significant changes had been reported regarding the duration of seizure attacks in both groups after treatment. Conclusion: This study showed encouraging results for using levetiracetam, with acceptable results and fewer side effects for the treatment of children with BCECTS in Iran.

Abstract This study was conducted to compare the effect of low-dose isotretinoin with its conventional dose in patients with moderate and severe acne. Methods: This was a clinical trial conducted on 60 male and female patients with moderate and severe acne vulgaris. The patients were divided into two treatment groups: 0.5 mg/kg/day isotretinoin capsule and low-dose isotretinoin capsule (0.25 mg/kg/day). Patients in both groups received 6-month treatment. At the end of the 6^th month and 12^th month (6 months after the end of the treatment), they were examined again, and their improvement was determined and compared. Findings: The average severity of acne in the two treatment groups did not differ significantly within any of the study periods. The most common side effects were nose dryness in the low-dose group (17%) and hair thinning and loss in the conventional
- dose group (33.2%), although all the patients had dry lips. Conclusion: According to the same severity of the acne in two groups in different study periods, as well as fewer side effects and more patients' satisfaction, the low-dose isotretinoin can be considered in the treatment of acne.

Abstract Objective: Pseudocatalase/superoxide dismutase (PSD) is a topical gel considered 
having therapeutic effects in vitiligo. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of 
this combination in vitiligo.
Methods: This was a pilot randomized, double‑blind, placebo‑controlled trial on 46 
symmetrical vitiligo lesions of limbs in 23 patients referring to dermatology clinics, 
Isfahan, Iran in 2010. Patients were received this formula or placebo gels for the right 
and left lesions. Lesion area and degree of pigmentation were assessed at baseline, 2, 4, 
and 6 months.
Findings: There were no significant changes in lesion area and perifollicular pigmentation 
in each group (P > 0.05).
Conclusion: The results indicated no significant therapeutic effect for PSD in vitiligo.