Comparative evaluation of efficacy and safety of topical fluconazole and clotrimazole in the treatment of tinea corporis

Objective: To assess the clinical efficacy and safety of fluconazole 0.5% gel in patients with mild to moderate grades of tinea corporis in comparison to clotrimazole 1% cream. Patients and methods: Patients presenting with symptoms of tinea corporis were mycologically confirmed for presence of fungal hyphae and were randomly divided into two groups, one group received fluconazole and the other received clotrimazole. Treatment duration was for 4 weeks and study duration was for 8 weeks. Clinical evaluation was carried out on day 1, day 14, day 28 and a follow-up on day 56. Adverse effects were also recorded. Data entry was done in Excel data sheet and analyzed with Epiinfo 2002. Chi-square test and t test were carried out according to the type of data. Results: Both the groups were matched at baseline in respect to their demographic profile. Significant improvement in efficacy parameters was seen in both the groups suggesting that both the drugs are effective against tinea corporis infection. Between groups comparison of mycological cure rate and clinical improvement showed no significant difference. The safety and tolerability profile of both regimens were good and statistically comparable. Conclusion: Fluconazole 0.5% gel is found to be safe, effective and tolerable for mild to moderate tinea corporis. Its clinical effectiveness is comparable to that of clotrimazole, when used topically in tinea corporis.