Single-dose fluconazole versus itraconazole in pityriasis versicolor.

BACKGROUND: The new antifungal triazoles itraconazole and fluconazole have revolutionized the treatment of pityriasis versicolor. Both drugs have shown promising results in different dose schedules.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of single oral dose treatment with fluconazole versus itraconazole in patients with pityriasis versicolor.

METHODS: A total of 40 patients with pityriasis versicolor were allocated randomly to group A and group B. A single dose of fluconazole (400 mg) or itraconazole (400 mg) was given orally to group A or group B patients, respectively. Patients were assessed mycologically by KOH and culture. Culture was done from lesional and perilesional skin to quantify growth and to observe the effect of these drugs and the persistence/reappearance of the fungus in relation to relapse at 2 and 8 weeks. Relapse was defined as reappearance or worsening of clinical signs and symptoms or positive KOH/culture after initial improvement.

RESULTS: Thirteen (65%) patients in the fluconazole group and 4 (20%) patients in the itraconazole group became culture negative at the end of 8 weeks. Relapse was found to be higher in the itraconazole group compared to the fluconazole group (60 vs. 35%). A direct correlation was found between the relapse rate and positivity of perilesional skin for Malassezia furfur.

CONCLUSION: In the same dosing, fluconazole was found to be more effective than itraconazole; however, both drugs were found to be safe.