Safety of Oral Therapy for Superficial Fungal Infections

In this meta-analysis, the estimated pooled risk for adverse events requiring treatment discontinuation was not substantially greater with oral antifungals than with placebo.

Superficial dermatophytosis and onychomycosis are the two most common dermatologic infections in the U.S. Terbinafine, fluconazole, and itraconazole are systemically absorbed oral antifungal agents that are frequently prescribed for these conditions. However, the overall safety profile of such regimens, including intermittent therapy, has never been systematically evaluated.

To address this lack, researchers conducted a meta-analysis of relevant English-language reports published before 2006. They identified 122 articles totaling 19,298 patients aged ≥18 years who received ≥2 weeks of oral antifungal therapy for either superficial dermatophytosis or onychomycosis. Seventy-seven of these studies (totaling 6640 patients) were randomized contro…

Reviewing Author

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)