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

Abstract

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.