Effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of itraconazole oral solution in pediatric dermatophytosis

Introduction: Cutaneous mycosis is one of the most common dermatological conditions seen in children. In the recent past, there has been an increased incidence and unresponsiveness to various antifungal agents. Itraconazole is an effective and safe antifungal agent used, especially in adults; however, there are only a few studies in the literature for the treatment of dermatophytosis in children with oral itraconazole solution. Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the safety, effectiveness, and tolerability of oral itraconazole solution in children with recurrent and extensive dermatophytoses. Methods: This is a hospital-based prospective, longitudinal, open-labeled study conducted in a tertiary care hospital over a period of 3 months at the Department of Dermatology Venerology and Leprosy. A total of 30 children with recurrent and extensive dermatophytoses were recruited for the study. All were assessed for history, clinical features, and potassium hydroxide (KOH) mount for fungus. Itraconazole oral solution was given at a dosage of 5 mg/kg body weight for a duration of 4 weeks and evaluated for safety, effectiveness, tolerability, and mycological cure (KOH mount) after 4 weeks. Results: There were 30 cases in the study comprising 18 males and 12 females. The age group 6–10 years constituted a maximum number of cases. All of these cases had more than 10% body surface area involvement. Twenty-six patients had both clinical and mycological cure, whereas four patients still demonstrated fungal elements on KOH examination. All patients demonstrated excellent safety and tolerability except one who complained that the preparation was unsavory. Conclusion: Oral itraconazole solution is effective in chronic and recurrent dermatophytoses in children.