A double-blind, randomized, comparative trial of itraconazole versus terbinafine for 2 weeks in tinea capitis

In this randomized, double-blind study, the efficacy and safety of oral itraconazole ( n  = 28) and terbinafine ( n  = 27), each given for 2 weeks, was compared in patients with tinea capitis. Trichophyton violaceum was the major pathogen in both groups (82.1% and 88.9%, respectively). The final evaluation at week 12 showed a cure rate of 85.7% and 77.8%, respectively ( P  > 0.05). Adverse events noted were mild and did not warrant discontinuation of therapy.