Publication:

A comparative study of efficacy of oral itraconazole, terbinafine and fluconazole: a clinical trial

Background Keeping in view the rising number of cases of dermatophyte infections and also poor response to topical drugs, this study was conducted with the intention to arrive at a conclusion regarding the best available systemic drug.

Methods A total of 270 patients were selected for the study. 90 patients were assigned to each group under itraconazole, terbinafine & fluconazole.

Results It was found that itraconazole was the most effective drug which led to a considerable decrease in erythema, peripheral spread, scaling and spread to other body sites. Next drug to be the most effective was terbinafine, which was followed by fluconazole.

Conclusions We finally arrived at a conclusion that itraconazole is the most effective drug for all types of superficial fungal infections. It was followed by terbinafine & fluconazole in terms of drug effectiveness. Hence in this study we advocate the use of itraconazole as first line of drug in all patients of tinea infections.