Minimum effective dosage in the treatment of chronic atopic dermatitis with itraconazole

Abstract

Fungi including Malassezia furfur and Candida albicans are involved in the development of atopic dermatitis (AD), due to increased sensitivity to these allergens or increased serum immunoglobulin E levels in AD patients. Previously, I reported successful treatment of AD with oral administration of the anti-mycotic agent, itraconazole. Recently, I developed protocols for AD treatment, based on the determined minimum effective dose. Three oral administration regimens with itraconazole were studied: single-phase treatment (regimen 1), 100 mg/day for 1 week with a 3-week rest, repeating; regimen 2, 200 mg/week for 4 weeks, repeating; and dual-phase treatment (regimen 3), 100 mg/day for 1 week (introduction phase) then 200 mg/week (maintenance phase) for 11 weeks. For regimens 1 and 2, each treatment cycle was 4 weeks, and three cycles were undertaken. Each regimen was completed in 12 weeks. All three regimens reduced AD symptoms, regimen 3 being the most effective and efficient therapy as evaluated by overall efficacy and low drop-out rate.