ABSTRACT
To compare the safety and efficacy of fluconazole 150 mg single dose and intra-vaginal clotrimazole 200 mg per day for six days in the treatment of the acute episode of vulvovaginal candidiasis [VVC]. In a prospective study, 142 patients with acute clinical and mycological confirmed VVC were enrolled and divided randomly in two groups. 70 patients received intra-vaginal tablet [200 mg] daily for seven days, whereas 72 patients received single dose oral fluconazole [150 mg]. Second and third visits were done for all patients seven days and one month after treatment and the clinical and mycological outcomes evaluated. The analysis performed using SPSS statistical software [version 15]. At the second visit, 61 patients [84.7%] were cured clinically [inflammation and discharge] and 58 patients [80.5%] mycologically in fluconazole group and 60 patients [83.3%] were cured clinically and 49 patients [70%] mycologically in clotrimazole group [P = 0.01]. At the third visit, only one patient in fluconazole group and 17 patients in clotrimazole group had clinical sign of VVC [P = 0.001]. Oral fluconazole single dose seems to be a valid and promising therapy to cure acute signs and symptoms of VVC