Fluconazole prophylaxis of recurrent oral candidiasis in HIV-positive patients

In a randomized, open study, the efficacy of fluconazole as a prophylaxis of recurrent oral candidiasis in patients with advanced stages of HIV-infection (CD4 cell count 103/ml were isolated in the oral wash-outs. As compared to the untreated control group, fluconazole prophylaxis in a daily dosage of 50 as well as 100 mg led to significantly less frequent relapses of oral candidiasis (p<0.01). The lower dosage of 50 mg/day, as compared to the higher dosage of 100 mg/day, resulted in no significant difference in the frequency of relapses (p=0.66). The fact that the patient gains more quality of life by longer symptom-free periods outweighs the disadvantages emerging from increased drug intake and higher costs.