Itraconazole for deep mycoses: preliminary experience in Mexico

Itraconazole has been used as oral therapy for deep mycoses since July 1984 in our institution. So far, therapy has been evaluated for eight patients: one with cutaneous coccidioidomycosis; two with chromomycosis (Fonsecaea pedrosoi); and five with sporotrichosis (three fixed, one lymphangitic, and one disseminated). Clinical and mycologic evaluations were done at the beginning of treatment, 15 days after the initiation of treatment, and monthly thereafter. Dosage was 100-200 mg per day, and duration of treatment was based on response. The cases of coccidioidomycosis and lymphangitic sporotrichosis were mycologically cured after two and seven months of treatment with 100 mg per day, respectively. The six other patients required higher doses. Two patients with sporotrichosis and one with chromomycosis were cured, and one patient with sporotrichosis and one with chromomycosis were markedly improved. In one patient with sporotrichosis, treatment was discontinued because of the slow response. No adverse reactions to treatment were reported.