Double-blind trial of tetracycline in recurrent aphthous ulceration.

A double-blind trial of a tetracycline suspension was carried out in 25 patients with recurrent aphthous oral ulcerations. A combined topical-systemic treatment procedure was used. Both the placebo and tetracycline group experienced reductions in ulcer incidence during the treatment period, whereas only the tetracycline group showed significant reductions in ulcer duration, size, and pain. Tetracylcine treatment apparently alters the severity of the ulcer, but does not appear to affect those factors responsible for recurrences. The side effects recorded in patients taking tetracycline were comparable to those in patients on placebo.