Pityriasis versicolor: clinical experience with Lamisil cream and Lamisil DermGel.
Pityriasis versicolor is a chronic superficial fungal disease usually located on the upper trunk, neck or upper arms. Terbinafine is an orally and topically active allylamine antifungal derivative with a broad antifungal spectrum. Several studies have documented the high activity of terbinafine (Lamisil) cream in the treatment of pityriasis versicolor, with cure rates of 79-100% after 2-4 weeks of treatment. Lamisil emulsion gel (Lamisil DermGel) is a new topical formulation that remains in the skin in high concentrations for several months after just 1 week of application. Recently, in a prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised, parallel-group, comparative, multicentre study, we have treated patients with pityriasis versicolor with either terbinafine 1% emulsion gel (Lamisil DermGel) or placebo gel. Sixty-one patients were included, 31 in the Lamisil DermGel group and 30 in the placebo gel group. The gel was applied once daily for 7 days and the patients were followed up for 8 weeks. Twenty-eight patients in the active and 29 patients in the placebo group were evaluable for efficacy. Using the intent-to-treat efficacy analysis, 21/28 (75%) were cured in the Lamisil-DermGel-treated group compared to 4/29 (14%) in the placebo group. No side-effects were seen. In conclusion, Lamisil DermGel was well tolerated and superior to placebo in the treatment of pityriasis versicolor when applied once daily for 7 days.
Faergemann
J
J
Department of Dermatology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Hersle
K
K
Nordin
P
P
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005782:Gels / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009281:Naphthalenes / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D009824:Ointments / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011446:Prospective Studies; D000077291:Terbinafine; D014010:Tinea Versicolor / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000935:Antifungal Agents; D005782:Gels; D009281:Naphthalenes; D009824:Ointments; D000077291:Terbinafine