QIs there data on oral cimetidine for widespread molluscum lesions?

A
Richard Winkelmann, DO

Richard Winkelmann, DO

Director for Dermatology and Mohs Surgery
Optum Care
Los Angeles, CA

Molluscum contagiosum, manifesting most commonly in children, is caused by a pox virus.1 Treatments commonly include liquid nitrogen, topical tretinoin and also as been treated with cimetidine. At a dose of 30–40 mg/kg/day, oral cimetidine has been used in children and adults.2 In two patients, one with 60 lesions and the other with 200 lesions, cimetidine at 40 mg/kg/day in four divided doses for six weeks cleared all lesions.3 However, other studies find it ineffective.4 There is no evidence from double-blind, placebo-controlled studies that cimetidine clears molluscum contagiosum.5 I always reassure my patients that even without treatment, most cases resolve on their own within 2 years.

References:

  1. Yashar et al. Pediatr Dermatol 1999
  2. Husar et al. Clin Dermatol 2002
  3. Sharma. Dermatology 1998
  4. Cunningham et al. Pediatr Dermatol 1998
  5. Scheinfeld. Dermatology Online Journal 2003