A randomized double-blind comparative study of terbinafine for 1, 2 and 4 weeks in tinea capitis.
We report a randomized, double-blind study, comparing the relative efficacy and tolerability of oral terbinafine, given for 1, 2 or 4 weeks, in tinea capitis. Of 161 evaluable patients, 53 were treated with terbinafine for 1 week, 51 for 2 weeks and 57 for 4 weeks. Isolated pathogens included Trichophyton violaceum (71.5%), T. tonsurans (14.9%), T. verrucosum (4.3%), Microsporum audouinii (4.3%), M. canis (2.5%), T. schoenleinii (1.9%) and T. mentagrophytes (0.6%). The final evaluation, at 12 weeks, showed cure rates of 73.6, 80.4 and 85.9%, in the respective groups. The adverse effects noted, were not drug related. In our opinion, terbinafine given for 1, 2 or 4 weeks, is equally effective for most cases of tinea capitis.
Haroon
T S
TS
Department of Dermatology, King Edward Medical College/Mayo Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan.
Hussain
I
I
Aman
S
S
Jahangir
M
M
Kazmi
A H
AH
Sami
A R
AR
Nagi
A H
AH
Alvi
K H
KH
Iqbal
N
N
Khan
K A
KA
Aziz
R
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005658:Fungi / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009281:Naphthalenes / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000077291:Terbinafine; D014006:Tinea Capitis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000935:Antifungal Agents; D009281:Naphthalenes; D000077291:Terbinafine