Concurrent use of 5% natamycin and 2% econazole for the management of fungal keratitis.

PURPOSE: To determine if concurrent use of 5% natamycin and 2% econazole offers greater benefits than monotherapy with 5% natamycin for the management of fungal keratitis.

METHODS: Subjects presenting to the cornea service were treated with 5% natamycin and 2% econazole used concurrently. We compared the results with a historical control of patients treated with 5% natamycin in the same calendar year. The same clinical and examination protocol including inclusion and exclusion criteria was used for both groups.

RESULTS: We compared results of 47 subjects on concurrent use of 5% natamycin and 2% econazole with all 53 subjects who had received 5% natamycin in a previous study (historical controls). Baseline characteristics were similar between the 2 groups. There were no significant differences (P=0.9) between the 2 arms for success (defined as a healed or healing ulcer).

CONCLUSIONS: Concurrent use of 5% natamycin and 2% econazole does not appear to offer additional benefits over monotherapy with 5% natamycin for the management of fungal keratitis.