Open randomized comparison of different itraconazole regimens for the treatment of onychomycosis

AIMS: This Study aimed to compare the efficacy of four different itraconazo le regimens in the treatment of toenail onychomycosis caused by dermatophyt es. METHODS: The four treatment regimens were: 3 months and 4 months of continu ous treatment (200 mg/day of itraconazole) vs 3 months and 4 months of puls e therapy (400 mg/day of itraconazole for 1 week every month). The follow-u p period was for 48 weeks after the end of treatment. RESULTS: A total of 66 patients completed the study. Only three patients (4 .5%) had reversible abnormal liver function tests. No significant differenc e in cure rates was noted between the pulse and the continuous treatment re gimens during the follow-up period. At 12 and 24 weeks after the ens of tre atment, more patients in the 4-month treatment groups were cured compared w ith the 3-month treatment groups. However, at the end of the follow-up peri od the cure rates levelled among the four different regimens. CONCLUSIONS: Itraconazole, in each of the regimens tested, proved to be eff icient and safe for the long-term treatment of onychomycosis. Because no di fference was noted between the four regimens, the shorter and more tolerabl e 3-month pulse treatment is preferable.