Comparison of oral fluconazole versus itraconazole for treatment of recurrent oral candidiasis

Objective To compare the efficacy of oral fluconazole versus itraconazole in oral candidiasis.   Methods This study was conducted at the Outpatient Department of Dermatology, DHQ Teaching Hospital, Sargodha Medical College Sargodha. A total of 240 patients were included in this study were divided into two groups containing 120 patients in each group. Both groups applied 2% miconazole gel orally thrice daily for 7-14 days. In addition, group A was prescribed fluconazole 50mg once daily and group B was prescribed itraconazole 100mg twice daily for 7-14 days. Each patient was followed up monthly either physically or on phone for 6 months.   Results In group A, the total number of 45 patients (37.5%) reported back with oral candidiasis whereas 19 patients (15.83%) of group B reported back with oral candidiasis.   Conclusion It is concluded that itraconazole is better than fluconazole for the treatment of recurrent oral candidiasis with a similar duration of treatment.