Overview
What is it?
Topical nadifloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic specifically developed for treating bacterial skin infections, including acne vulgaris. It is not naturally occurring and is formulated exclusively for topical application, meaning it is applied directly to the skin. Nadifloxacin is approved for use in several countries, including Japan and some European nations, for managing mild to moderate acne .
How does it work?
Nadifloxacin works by targeting the bacteria that contribute to acne, particularly *Cutibacterium acnes* (formerly *Propionibacterium acnes*). It inhibits bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, enzymes essential for bacterial DNA replication, transcription, and repair. By disrupting these processes, nadifloxacin effectively reduces bacterial colonization in hair follicles, which is a key factor in acne development .
What are the benefits?
Topical nadifloxacin offers several benefits for acne treatment. It is highly effective against *C. acnes*, with studies showing no resistance in tested strains . It also reduces inflammatory acne lesions and improves overall acne severity. Additionally, nadifloxacin is well-tolerated, with minimal systemic absorption, making it a safe option for topical use. When combined with other treatments like adapalene (a retinoid), it has shown superior efficacy compared to monotherapy, leading to faster and more significant improvements in acne .
Effectiveness
What does the research say?
Research demonstrates that topical nadifloxacin is highly effective in treating acne. In one study, none of the 73 strains of *C. acnes* showed resistance to nadifloxacin, highlighting its potent antibacterial activity . Another study involving 292 participants found that 93.4% of adults and 85.0% of adolescents experienced a sustained decrease in acne severity after a median treatment duration of 37-38 days . Additionally, combination therapy with adapalene significantly reduced inflammatory lesions compared to adapalene alone, with improvements seen as early as 2 weeks .
Side Effects
Facial skin irritation
Facial skin irritation, such as mild redness or discomfort, has been reported in some users .
Burning sensation
A burning sensation may occur upon application, though it is typically mild and temporary .
Swelling
Swelling, particularly around the application site, has been observed in rare cases .
Dryness
Dryness of the skin is a common side effect, especially when used in combination with other treatments like adapalene .
Erythema (redness)
Erythema, or redness of the skin, may occur but usually resolves without intervention .
Evidence
Clinical Studies & Trials
[1] Activity of nadifloxacin and three other antimicrobial agents against Cutibacterium acnes isolated from patients with acne vulgaris.
This study evaluated the effectiveness of nadifloxacin against *C. acnes* strains. None of the 73 strains showed resistance to nadifloxacin, demonstrating its high antibacterial activity.
View study[2] Nadifloxacin: a quinolone for topical treatment of skin infections and potential for systemic use of its active isomer, WCK 771.
This review discusses nadifloxacin's role as a topical treatment for acne and its potential systemic use. It highlights its broad-spectrum activity and low resistance rates.
View study[3] Clinical and histological evaluation of 1% nadifloxacin cream in the treatment of acne vulgaris in Korean patients.
This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of 1% nadifloxacin cream in Korean patients with mild to moderate acne, showing positive results in reducing acne lesions.
View study[4] Recent Advances Regarding the Therapeutic Potential of Adapalene.
This review highlights the benefits of combining nadifloxacin with adapalene for acne treatment, showing improved efficacy and reduced side effects compared to adapalene alone.
View study[5] Clinical and bacteriological evaluation of adapalene 0.1% gel plus nadifloxacin 1% cream versus adapalene 0.1% gel in patients with acne vulgaris.
This study compared combination therapy (adapalene + nadifloxacin) with adapalene monotherapy, showing superior efficacy in reducing inflammatory lesions and improving patient satisfaction.
View study[6] Design and evaluation of microemulsion gel system of nadifloxacin.
This study developed a microemulsion gel system for nadifloxacin to improve its delivery and efficacy, showing enhanced skin permeation and antibacterial activity.
View study[7] Green Nail Syndrome (Pseudomonas aeruginosa Nail Infection): Two Cases Successfully Treated with Topical Nadifloxacin, an Acne Medication.
This case report highlights the successful use of topical nadifloxacin in treating nail infections, demonstrating its broad-spectrum antibacterial activity.
View study[8] Bactericidal activity and post-antibiotic effect of ozenoxacin against Propionibacterium acnes.
This study compared the bactericidal activity of ozenoxacin with nadifloxacin, showing that both are effective against *C. acnes*, with nadifloxacin having a lower resistance rate.
View study[9] Efficacy of combined topical treatment of acne vulgaris with adapalene and nadifloxacin: a randomized study.
This study demonstrated the superior efficacy of combining adapalene with nadifloxacin for treating inflammatory acne, with significant improvements seen within 2 weeks.
View study[10] Impact of Parallel Topical Treatment with Nadifloxacin and Adapalene on Acne Vulgaris Severity and Quality of Life: A Prospective, Uncontrolled, Multicentric, Noninterventional Study.
This large-scale study showed that nadifloxacin combined with adapalene significantly reduced acne severity and improved quality of life in both adults and adolescents.
View study[11] Comparison of efficacy and safety of topical 1% nadifloxacin and tretinoin 0.025% combination therapy with 1% clindamycin and tretinoin 0.025% combination therapy in patients of mild-to-moderate acne.
This study compared the efficacy of nadifloxacin-tretinoin combination therapy with clindamycin-tretinoin, showing similar effectiveness in reducing acne lesions.
View study[12] Topical nadifloxacin 1% cream vs. topical erythromycin 4% gel in the treatment of mild to moderate acne.
This study compared nadifloxacin with erythromycin, showing both to be equally effective and safe for treating mild to moderate acne.
View study[13] Combined Nanofibrous Face Mask: Co-Formulation of Lipases and Antibiotic Agent by Electrospinning Technique.
This study developed a nanofibrous mask containing nadifloxacin, showing effective delivery of the antibiotic to the epidermis and potential for acne treatment.
View study