Efficacy of itraconazole versus fluconazole in vaginal candidiasis.

OBJECTIVE To compare the efficacy of fluconazole 150mg single dose and itraconazole 200mg twice for one day in the treatment of acute vulvovaginal candidiasis. METHODS The study was carried out at the Department of Dermatology, PNS Shifa Hospital, Karachi, from March, 2008 to February 2009 and comprised 60 women with clinical and mycological diagnosis of vaginal candidiasis. Diagnosis was based on history, clinical examination and relevant investigations. The women were divided into two equal groups. After initial assessment, Group 1 was treated with capsule fluconazole 150mg stat, and Group 2 with capsule itraconazole 200mg twice for one day. They were assessed clinically for cure and relapse on day 7 and 21 respectively. All findings were recorded in the proforma. Data was analysed using SPSS 12. RESULTS The overall clinical evaluation showed 70% (n = 21) cure rate with itraconazole and 50% (n = 15) with fluconazole. In Group-1, 7 (23.33%) and in Group-2 8 (26.6%) showed some improvement, while 2 (6.66%) in Group 1, and 7 (23%) in Group 2 failed to respond. Relapse was observed in 9 (28.5%) and 16 (53%) of the cured cases in Group 1 and Group 2 respectively. CONCLUSION Itraconazole was found to be more effective in the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis compared to fluconazole with high cure and low relapse rate.