Itraconazole in the treatment of dermatophytoses: a comparison of two daily dosages.

Itraconazole, the first orally active triazole antifungal agent, was tested in 185 cases of acute or chronic (recurrent) dermatophytosis. The skin infections were divided into two major diagnostic groups: tinea corporis/tinea cruris (91 cases) and tinea pedis/tinea manuum (94 cases). Each patient was randomly assigned to a regimen of 50 or 100 mg of itraconazole daily. Of the cases of tinea corporis and/or tinea cruris, 94% responded to 50 mg of itraconazole daily and 96% to 100 mg daily. The effects of therapy were evident earlier when 100 mg daily was given. Of the cases of tinea pedis and/or tinea manuum, 80% responded to 50 mg of itraconazole daily and 94% to 100 mg. Again, improvement was seen sooner with the 100-mg regimen. Only five patients (2.9%) reported minor adverse reactions. Hematologic and blood-biochemical parameters were monitored before treatment and at biweekly intervals thereafter in 37 patients; no significant abnormalities were observed. Thus, either 50 or 100 mg of itraconazole daily constitutes effective treatment for dermatophytoses. Since the larger dosage induces a faster response, it should be evaluated further.