Short-term treatment of vaginal candidiasis with fenticonazole ovules: a three-dose schedule comparative trial

In an unblinded, randomized parallel group trial three different therapeutic dose schedules of fenticonazole (vaginal ovules) were compared in the treatment of vaginal candidiasis. A total of 60 patients, aged 17-71 years, affected by mycologically confirmed symptomatic vaginal candidiasis were included and randomly allocated to three treatment groups: 200 mg daily, for 3 days; 600 mg in a single administration; and 1000 mg in a single administration. Therapeutic efficacy was assessed by microbiological and clinical criteria 7 days after the end of the treatment. All mycologically cured patients were re-checked, microbiologically and clinically, 2 weeks after the end of treatment to identify and evaluate possible relapses. The results obtained indicate that vaginal application of fenticonazole ovules is highly effective in producing both symptomatic relief and mycological sterilization of vaginal swabs in 75-85% of treated patients. No relapses were noted at the time of re-check. The three administration schedules tested appear to be equally effective and well tolerated. In one case only of the group given 200 mg and two cases of those given 1000 mg, a local burning sensation was noted. These results show that short-term treatment of vaginal candidiasis with fenticonazole ovules is effective and well tolerated.