ABSTRACT
Background: Otomycosis is a common condition of the external auditory canal. Aspergillus species and candida species are common causative agents for otomycosis. Clotrimazole is effective in controlling candida species than Aspergillus species. The povidone-iodine is a routinely used antiseptic solution in surgical care. Aims and Objectives: To assess the efficacy of 7.5% povidone-iodine and 1% clotrimazole in the treatment of otomycosis. Materials and Methods: This prospective randomized study recruited 128 cases of both genders. The study participants were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1 received 7.5% povidone-iodine and group 2 received clotrimazole (1%). After removal of otomycotic debris, the study cases were randomly administered with study drugs three drops once a day. All the cases were strictly advised to adhere to the treatment procedure not <2 weeks. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square test was used to test the significance of qualitative data by SPSS 16.0. The P < 0.005 was considered as statistically significant. Results: After 14 days treatment, 1% clotrimazole group, showed continuous ear discharge (6.25%), pruritus (3.12%), tinnitus (3.12%), otalgia (1.56%), and deafness (1.56%), which was higher than 7.5% povidone-iodine group. Aspergillus niger (1 case) and Aspergillus flavus (2 cases) isolates were observed in 1% clotrimazole group. Good treatment response after the 5th day was seen in 15.62% and 18.75% cases, after the 9th day in 45.31% and 48.43%, and after the 14th day in 87.5% and 75% in 7.5% povidone-iodine and 1% clotrimazole groups, respectively. Conclusion: The cases treated with 7.5% povidone-iodine were showed comparatively less bacterial and fungal isolates and less clinical signs and symptoms than cases treated with 1% clotrimazole after 2 weeks of treatment follow-up.