Terbinafine in the treatment of tinea capitis

english

1998

volume 7, issue 3/4

Združenje slovenskih dermatovenerologov

Background. Tinea capitis is a common dermatomycosis in children. A number of systemic and topical agents can be used in treating tinea capitis. Terbinafineis a new allylamine antifungal agent highly effective against dermatophytes. Objective. The efficacy and tolerability of terbinafine in the treatment of tinea capitis in children was studied. Methods. A total of sixteen children with mycologically confirmed fungal infection caused by microsporum canis were enrolled in the study. The patients' age ranged from 6-12 (mean 8.3 years). Patients received 125 mg terbinafine daily for two months. Results. At the end of the trial 14 patients were evaluable: 13 with superficial infection and case of Kerion. Clinical cure was acheived in 10 (17.4%) and mycological cure in 11 (78.5%) children. The drug was well tolerated with one patient reporting mild gastrointestinal problems. Conclusion. Our results indicate that terbinafine once daily is safe and well tolerated, but not always effective in the treatment of microsporosis capitis.

16.09.2022