Using topical medications to reduce redness from sunlight in rosacea patients

Pilot Studies Evaluating Use of Topical Imipramine and Amitriptyline in Reducing Ultraviolet B Light-Induced Redness in Patients With Rosacea

PHASE2 · Wright State University · NCT06312813

This study is testing whether two topical medications can help reduce redness from sunlight in people with rosacea.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment48 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorWright State University (other)
Drugs / interventionsprednisone
Locations1 site (Fairborn, Ohio)
Trial IDNCT06312813 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of topical imipramine and amitriptyline in reducing ultraviolet B light-induced redness in patients diagnosed with rosacea. The study aims to determine if these medications can alleviate the skin irritation and redness that often occurs in response to sunlight exposure. Participants will be monitored for their reactions to the treatments, comparing the effects of the active medications against a vehicle control. The trial focuses on individuals with specific skin types and a history of rosacea symptoms.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals with Fitzpatrick Skin Type I to III who have self-identified rosacea or do not have a history of flushing or blushing.

Not a fit: Patients currently using tricyclic antidepressants or those with recent exposure to certain skin treatments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new topical treatment option for patients suffering from rosacea-related redness triggered by sunlight.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited information on similar studies, the use of topical medications for skin conditions has shown promise in other contexts, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Fitzpatrick Skin Type I - IIII
* Self-identified rosacea or no history of flushing/blushing for controls
* Able to provide medical history and list of medications -- control subjects will not be allowed to take medications that are known to be photosensitizers.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Using imipramine, amitriptyline or any other tricyclic antidepressant (oral or topical)
* Using topical anti-inflammatory (within 1 week) or systemic agents (e.g. prednisone)
* Large tattoos in the designated testing areas
* Tanning bed use within last 3 months
* Photodynamic Therapy or UCB treatments in past 3 months
* Female Subjects: pregnant or nursing

Where this trial is running

Fairborn, Ohio

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Rosacea

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.