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Itraconazole in onychomycosis: intermittent dose schedule
A Bonifaz1, E Carrasco-Gerard, A Saúl
1Department of Mycology, General Hospital of Mexico, Mexico.
International Journal of Dermatology
|January 1, 1997
Summary
This study evaluated itraconazole pulse therapy for onychomycosis. Oral itraconazole effectively treated fungal nail infections with minimal liver function impact.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Mycology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Onychomycosis is a common fungal nail infection with limited effective treatment options.
- Previous treatments for onychomycosis have shown variable efficacy and potential side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness and safety of a pulse regimen of oral itraconazole for treating onychomycosis.
- To evaluate the clinical and mycological outcomes of itraconazole pulse therapy over a 9-month follow-up period.
Main Methods:
- Open clinical trial involving 50 patients with mycologically proven onychomycosis.
- Patients received oral itraconazole (200 mg twice daily) for 1 week each month for 3 consecutive months.
- Clinical and mycological evaluations, including potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation and fungal cultures, were performed at baseline and throughout the follow-up period. Liver function tests were monitored.
Main Results:
- The study assessed treatment effectiveness using Zaias' method for reduction of the affected nail area.
- Mycological examinations were conducted at multiple time points to confirm fungal clearance.
- Correlation between clinical-mycological outcomes and liver function tests was analyzed to determine safety and efficacy.
Conclusions:
- The pulse regimen of oral itraconazole demonstrated effectiveness in treating onychomycosis.
- The treatment was generally well-tolerated, with safety assessed through liver function tests.