TREATMENT OPTIMIZATION IN RECURRENT DERMATOPHYTOSIS: A PROSPECTIVE, RANDOMIZED, COMPARATIVE STUDY OF EXTENDED-DURATION VERSUS HIGH-DOSE TERBINAFINE AND ITRACONAZOLE

RASHI SINGH; SAVITA VERMA; SURABHI DAYAL; SAPNA VASHISTH

doi:10.22159/ijcpr.2026v18i2.8071

Authors

RASHI SINGH Department of Pharmacology, Pt. B. D. Sharma, PGIMS, Rohtak, Haryana, India https://orcid.org/0009-0000-6670-1588
SAVITA VERMA Department of Pharmacology, Pt. B. D. Sharma, PGIMS, Rohtak, Haryana, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1286-8259
SURABHI DAYAL Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Leprology, Pt. B. D. Sharma, PGIMS, Rohtak, Haryana https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9093-6731
SAPNA VASHISTH Department of Pharmacology, Pt. B. D. Sharma, PGIMS, Rohtak, Haryana, India https://orcid.org/0009-0003-8679-404X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22159/ijcpr.2026v18i2.8071

Keywords:

Recurrent dermatophytosis, Terbinafine, Itraconazole, Mycological cure, Double dose, Extended duration, Safety, Quality of life, Adherence

Abstract

Objective: To compare efficacy and safety of terbinafine versus itraconazole administered in double dose and prolonged duration in patients with recurrent tinea corporis and cruris.

Methods: This prospective, randomized study included 166 patients in four groups: A (terbinafine 250 mg once daily (OD), 4 w), B (terbinafine 500 mg OD, 2 w), C (itraconazole 100 mg twice daily (BD), 4 w), and D (itraconazole 200 mg BD, 2 w). Primary outcomes were clinical/mycological cure, global assessment, safety; secondary outcomes included quality of life, escape treatment, adherence. Significance was set at p<0.05.

Results: Group C had highest efficacy (92.7% clinical cure and 100% mycological cure) with lowest recurrence. Liver Function Tests (LFTs) showed no significant abnormalities across all groups. No therapy discontinuations/serious Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) were reported. Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) improved significantly from baseline to treatment end and 6 w post-treatment, indicating substantial and sustained improvement. Treatment compliance was high across all groups (≥90%), with no significant difference.

Conclusion: Itraconazole 100 mg BD for 4 w was most effective, well-tolerated regimen, highlighting benefit of extended duration over increased dose in recurrent dermatophytosis.

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References

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TREATMENT OPTIMIZATION IN RECURRENT DERMATOPHYTOSIS: A PROSPECTIVE, RANDOMIZED, COMPARATIVE STUDY OF EXTENDED-DURATION VERSUS HIGH-DOSE TERBINAFINE AND ITRACONAZOLE

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