Evaluation of efficacy of tacrolimus 0.1% in Orabase and triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% in Orabase in the management of symptomatic oral lichen planus randomized single blind control study

OBJECTIVES: Studies done on the management of oral lichen planus using tacrolimus are limited. The aim of the study is to compare the efficacy of tacrolimus with triamcinolone acetonide topically in the management of symptomatic oral lichen planus and also to evaluate adverse effects and opportunistic yeast infections. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A randomized controlled study was conducted on 60 patients with symptomatic lesions of oral lichen planus with biopsy proven who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Study group comprised of 30 patients who received topical 0.1% tacrolimus in orabase therapy for 4 weeks. Control group comprised of 30 patients who received topical 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide in orabase for 4 weeks. RESULTS: Significant improvement of symptoms (7.80 ± 1.90 to 1.2 ± 2.6) and clinical scores (3.2 ± 1.27 to 2.3 ± 1.1) in study group as compared to control group (7.60 ± 2.01 to 2.7 ±2.5) and (2.73 ± 1.46 to 1.2 ± 1.4). No significant adverse effets were observed and no recurrence was noted during treatement and follow-up. CONCLUSION: Study group has shown significant clinical response (p=0.002) when compared to control group. However, double-blind, controlled studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of tacrolimus in the treatment of symptomatic oral lichen planus and to address the safety for long-term therapy.