TOPICAL TERBINAFINE (LAMISIL(R)) FOR SUPERFICIAL MYCOSES - HIGH CURE RATES IN SHORT TREATMENT TIMES

This review article compares the use of fungicidal terbinafine 1% crea m in superficial mycoses with other more established and largely fungi static agents. Topical azoles need to be applied two or three times da ily for 4-6 weeks, whereas terbinafine has achieved cure rates in tine a pedis of 80-90% after only 1 or 2 weeks' treatment. Terbinafine twic e daily for 1 week compared with clotrimazole twice daily for 4 weeks has produced mycological cure rates of 97.2% and 83.7%, respectively: a statistically significant result in favour of terbinafine. Terbinafi ne for 2 weeks produced a mycological cure in 69% of patients with moc casin-type tinea pedis. Treatment for 1-2 weeks with topical terbinafi ne has produced cure rates of 80-90% in tinea corporis and tinea cruri s. Results have been similar in cutaneous candidosis and pityriasis ve rsicolor. Two new terbinafine formulations are discussed: the 1% solut ion and 1% emulsion gel. One week's treatment with both formulations p roduces mycological cure rates in tinea pedis of 86% and 88% and in ti nea corporis/cruris of 85% and 83%, respectively. Cure rates of 70-76% have been achieved in pityriasis versicolor after 1 week's treatment with the new formulations. The cream, solution and emulsion gel are al l well tolerated, Though such newer drugs are relatively expensive, th e much reduced duration of treatment and higher cure rates make them m ore cost-effective.