Itraconazole pulse therapy in onychomycosis

A prospective study of 30 clinically and mycologically diagnosed cases of onychomycosis was carried out for a period of twelve months from May 1996 to April 1997. Itraconazole pulse therapy was given for the 1st week followed by 3 week drug-free period, for 1st 3 months for the finger nail cases and 4 monthes for finger nail + toe nail and toe nail cases. Patients were evaluated at baseline, week 4, week 12, week 16, week 24, up to 12 months and assessed as cleared or markedly improved with clinical and mycological success. The result of our study is very much encouraging. It suggests that the use of itraconazole pulse therapy will maintain the continuous treatment efficacy and is cost effective than continuous therapy.