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

Abstract

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> 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.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> A total of 270 patients were selected for the study. 90 patients were assigned to each group under itraconazole, terbinafine & fluconazole.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> 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.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> 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.</p><p class="abstract"> </p>