open, non-comparative study for the evaluation of oral fluconazole in the treatment of tinea corporis, T. cruris, T.pedis

ABSTRACT

To assess the safety and efficacy of weekly 150mg doses of oral fluconazole for the treatment of tinea corporis/tinea cruris for upto 4 weeks and of tinea pedis for upto 6 weeks. Design: A total of 53 patients with mycologically proven tinea corporis, tinea cruris or tinea pedis [tinea corporis/tinea cruris, n=47; tinea pedis, n=6] were treated with 150 mg weekly doses of oral fluconazole. Patients were assessed clinically and mycologically at baseline, 2 weeks and then weekly till the last dose of medication was administered. Final follow-up was at 28-35 days after cessation of therapy. Settings Department of Dermatology, Mayo Hospital, King Edward Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan. Clinical cure rate 28-35 days after cessation of therapy was 70% [72.3% for the tinea corporis/ tinea cruris group and 50% for the tinea pedis group], 30% showing moderate to marked improvement. Mycological eradication was seen in 47 patients [88.6%], [91.5% in tinea corporis/tinea cruris and 66.7% in tinea pedis], persistence in 3 [5.7%] [1 patient with tinea cruris and 2 with tinea pedis], and relapse in 3 patients [5.7%] [all 3 with tinea corporis/tinea cruris]. Mild side effects, not requiring cessation of therapy, were seen in 7 patients. Weekly 150mg doses of fluconazole are safe and effective when given for tinea corporis/tinea cruris for upto 4 weeks and for tinea pedis for upto 6 weeks