Treatment of venous leg ulcers with 5% amikacin gel: phase IV trial.

A phase IV trial with 5% amikacin gel was carried out on 100 adult in patients of both sexes suffering from venous infected leg ulcers. After 2 weeks' therapy the microbiological culture tests were negative for more than 80% of the patients. The mean ulcer surface area was reduced by 34% and the accompanying symptoms of erythema, inflammation and pain were improved. Only very mild unwanted local effects were reported by four out of the 100 patients. Five percent amikacin gel was judged a safe and effective topical treatment for curing infected venous leg ulcers.