title: A comparative double blind study of ketoconazole and griseofulvin in dermatophytosis.
abstract: The merits of oral ketoconazole and griseofulvin in dermatophytosis have been compared in a double blind study on 74 patients with 152 infected sites. The initial daily doses were 200 mg and 500 mg respectively, but these were doubled after 3 months if there was an inadequate clinical response. Treatment was continued either until clinical and mycological remission was achieved or a year of therapy had been given. Seventy-five per cent (total 80) and 74% (total 72) of all infected sites treated with ketoconazole and griseofulvin respectively were cleared of infection. However, in toe nail infections the respective cure rates were only 21% and 17%. Ketoconazole appeared to act more rapidly in curing tinea corporis or tinea cruris due to Trichophyton rubrum, whereas griseofulvin was superior in T. interdigitale infections. No serious side-effects were encountered in either treatment group. In view of the slight risk of drug-induced hepatitis, ketoconazole is best reserved as a second-line drug for toe nail infections unless there are specific indications, such as griseofulvin intolerance. In these cases liver function tests should be monitored regularly throughout therapy.
mesh_terms: D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003881:Dermatomycoses / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006118:Griseofulvin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007654:Ketoconazole / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D012867:Skin / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D006118:Griseofulvin; D007654:Ketoconazole