Itraconazole for onychomycosis
Article Abstract:
Itraconazole (Sporanox) interacts negatively with a number of other drugs, while offering only a small benefit to patients with toenail infections. Oral doses of 200 milligrams per day produced results in 56 of 110 patients who took itraconazole, followed by a 20% relapse rate. In contrast, only two people in the control group improved. The most negative side effects include nausea and abdominal pain, as well as allergic rash. Patients who took other medications reacted adversely to treatment with itraconazole. Some inhibit absorption, while irregular heart beat and death were the consequences of taking itraconazole with terfenadine or cisapride. Other negative drug interactions included hypoglycemia, neurotoxicity, and diminished oral contraceptive effectiveness. The safety and effectiveness of itraconazole remains to be established by future research.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1996
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Terbinafine for onychomycosis
Article Abstract:
Terbinafine (Lamisil) tablets may be a less expensive therapeutic equivalent to itraconazole for the treatment of onychomycosis, a fungal nail infection. The manufacturer recommends a six-week drug regimen for fingernails and a twelve-week regimen for toenails. Side effects are mostly minor and include headache, gastrointestinal problems, changes in the eye, and a persistent taste disturbance. The overall safety of taking terbinafine for long periods of time is not known.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1996
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Ciclopirox (Penlac) nail lacquer for onychomycosis
Article Abstract:
The FDA has approved ciclopirox nail lacquer for treating fungal nail infections. Sold under the trade name Penlac, it should be applied to the nail, the nail bed, the undersurface of the nail if possible, and to the surrounding skin. It should be used daily and all applications should be removed with alcohol once a week. The unattached infected part of the nail should also be clipped periodically. Although safe and inexpensive, it may not be effective in many patients.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 2000
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