title: Efficacy and safety of itraconazole use in children.
abstract: Current dosing regimens for itraconazole are effective, safe, and versatile for use in superficial fungal infections in children, particularly tinea capitis. Good efficacy rates have been noted in both Trichophyton and Microsporum tinea capitis infections. Itraconazole has a high affinity for keratin, and accumulates to high levels at the site of superficial fungal infections. A pulse regimen may be chosen over continuous dosing, because the accumulation persists after dosing of itraconazole has been stopped. An oral solution of itraconazole is available, and may be more convenient for children who cannot swallow capsules. The oral solution also produces good rates of efficacy, but may be associated with a somewhat higher potential for gastrointestinal adverse events than the capsules. The range of adverse events noted with itraconazole capsules or oral solution use in children is similar to the range in adults. Events are generally mild and transient. Attention must be taken to note any medications that the child is using, because itraconazole is associated with a range of potential drug interactions. This safety of use, in combination with itraconazole's wide antifungal spectrum and pharmacokinetic properties, which allow for shorter dosing regimens, may make itraconazole a suitable alternative to griseofulvin for pediatric superficial fungal infections.
authors.affiliation: Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Science Center (Sunnybrook Site), University of Toronto, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M4N 3M5, Canada. agupta@execulink.com
authors.forename: Aditya K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Gupta
authors.forename: Elizabeth A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Cooper
authors.forename: Gabriele
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ginter
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002214:Capsules; D002648:Child; D002669:Child Welfare; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004347:Drug Interactions; D006801:Humans; D017964:Itraconazole / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014009:Onychomycosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D014006:Tinea Capitis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D000935:Antifungal Agents; D002214:Capsules; D017964:Itraconazole