Comparison Between Cimetidine and Zinc Sulphate in The Treatment of Nongenital Warts

Abstract

Warts are epithelial proliferations on the skin and mucous membrane caused by various types of HPV. They can decrease spontaneously or increase in number and size according to patient's immune status. Cimetidine and zinc sulphate have important effects on the immune system and are used as immunomodulators in the treatment of various diseases. To compare the efficacy of cimetidine and zinc sulphate in the treatment of multiple and recalcitrant warts. The study was conducted in Tikrit Teaching Hospital, during the period from September 2010 to the end of May 2011. Forty patients with multiple warts were divided into two groups: one took 40 mg/Kg/day of cimetidine, and the other 10 mg/Kg/day of zinc sulphate for two months. All patients were examined clinically, then interviewed and detailed questionnaires were completed for each of them. Review was performed monthly, observing number of the warts and side effects of the medication. After one month of treatment cure rates obtained were 60% in zinc sulphate-treated group, and 15% in cimetidine-treated group. After two months of treatment cure rates obtained were 80% in zinc sulphate-treated group, and 25% in cimetidine-treated group. Adverse effects reported by the patients treated with cimetidine included nausea, epigastralgia and pruritus. Adverse effects reported by the patients treated with zinc sulphate included nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.