Comparison between efficacy of 4% boric acid and 1% clotrimazole in treatment of otomycosis

ABSTRACT

To compare the efficacy of 4% boric acid solution in alcohol and 1% clotrimazole in treatment of otomycosis. Randomized control trial. ENT department, CMH Rawalpindi from 21 July 2007 to 20 January 2008. In this study, 252 patients of otomycosis were selected through random sampling technique. Selected patients were allocated into two equal groups; A and B. Group [A] was treated with topical 4% boric acid solution in alcohol ear drops and Group [B] was given 1% clotrimazole ear drops for control of otomycosis. Comparison of both the drugs was evaluating the variables; ear itching, and presence or absence of fungal debris on otoscopy at day 7. Out of 126 cases of group A, fungal debris was absent in 101 [80.2%] cases as compared to only 63 [50%] cases in group B at day 7[P value<0.05]. Itching control was gauged as marked, mild and no improvement at day 7. After 1 week of treatment, itching control in group A was following; marked improvement in 50[39.7%] cases, mild in 46[36.5%] and no improvement in 30[23.8%] cases. In group B, 20[15.9%] cases had marked improvement, 56[44.4%] mild improvement and 50 [39.7%] patients had no improvement after 1 week of treatment [P value<0.05]. 4% boric acid solution in alcohol is a better remedy in terms of alleviating symptoms of otomycosis