Single application of topical doxycycline hyclate in the management of recurrent aphthous stomatitis

Objective. Although tetracyclines are used for topical therapy in recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) patients, there are few clinical trials that have used doxycycline. Hence, we evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of topical doxycycline hyclate in RAS. Study design. A single-blinded placebo-controlled trial comprising 50 RAS subjects divided into group A and group B with 25 subjects in each group was performed. Patients in group A received topical application of crushed doxycycline hyclate tablet with denture adhesive and few drops of saline solution once at the initial visit. Group B received placebo similarly. Treatment response was assessed by measures of pain reduction, ulcer duration, and adhesive retention time. Data were analyzed using the Student t test. Results. Participants treated with doxycycline hyclate had significantly less pain by day 1 (P < .001) and healed faster (P < .001) compared with placebo. Conclusion. A single application of doxycycline hyclate decreased pain and speeded recovery.