title: Minimum effective dosage in the treatment of chronic atopic dermatitis with itraconazole.
abstract: Fungi including Malassezia furfur and Candida albicans are involved in the development of atopic dermatitis (AD), due to increased sensitivity to these allergens or increased serum immunoglobulin E levels in AD patients. Previously, I reported successful treatment of AD with oral administration of the anti-mycotic agent, itraconazole. Recently, I developed protocols for AD treatment, based on the determined minimum effective dose. Three oral administration regimens with itraconazole were studied: single-phase treatment (regimen 1), 100 mg/day for 1 week with a 3-week rest, repeating; regimen 2, 200 mg/week for 4 weeks, repeating; and dual-phase treatment (regimen 3), 100 mg/day for 1 week (introduction phase) then 200 mg/week (maintenance phase) for 11 weeks. For regimens 1 and 2, each treatment cycle was 4 weeks, and three cycles were undertaken. Each regimen was completed in 12 weeks. All three regimens reduced AD symptoms, regimen 3 being the most effective and efficient therapy as evaluated by overall efficacy and low drop-out rate.
authors.affiliation: Tsuchibashi Shinryosho (clinic), Kochi City, Kochi, Japan. lunamac@ps.inforyoma.or.jp
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Takechi
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002176:Candida albicans / Q000378:metabolism; D002179:Candidiasis, Cutaneous / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003881:Dermatomycoses / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000737:chemistry; D017964:Itraconazole / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008290:Malassezia / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D013256:Steroids / Q000008:administration & dosage; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000935:Antifungal Agents; D013256:Steroids; D017964:Itraconazole; D007073:Immunoglobulin E