Comparative Assessment of the Efficacy and Safety of Sertaconazole (2%) Cream Versus Terbinafine Cream (1%) Versus Luliconazole (1%) Cream In Patients with Dermatophytoses: A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND: Sertaconazole is a new, broad spectrum, fungicidal and fungistatic imidazole with added antipruritic and anti-inflammatory activity that would provide greater symptomatic relief and hence would be beneficial in improving the quality of life for the patient with dermatophytoses. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To compare efficacy and safety of sertaconazole, terbinafine and luliconazole in patients with dermatophytoses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 83 patients with tinea corporis and tinea cruris infections were enrolled in this multicentre, randomized, open label parallel study. The initial ‘Treatment Phase’ involved three groups receiving either sertaconazole 2% cream applied topically twice daily for four weeks, terbinafine 1% cream once daily for two weeks, luliconazole 1% cream once daily for two weeks. At the end of treatment phase, there was a ‘Follow-up Phase’ at end of 2 weeks, where the patients were assessed clinically and mycologically for relapse. RESULTS: Of the 83 patients, 62 completed the study, sertaconazole (n = 20), terbinafine (n = 22) and luliconazole (n = 20). The primary efficacy variables including change in pruritus, erythema, vesicle, desquamation and mycological cure were significantly improved in all the three groups, as compared to baseline, in the Treatment and Follow-up phase. Greater proportion of patients in sertaconazole group (85%) showed resolution of pruritus as compared to terbinafine (54.6%); and luliconazole (70%), (P < 0.05 sertaconazole vs terbinafine). There was a greater reduction in mean total composite score (pruritus, erythema, vesicle and desquamation) in sertaconazole group (97.1%) as compared to terbinafine (91.2%) and luliconazole (92.9%). All groups showed equal negative mycological assessment without any relapses. All three study drugs were well tolerated. Only one patient in sertaconazole group withdrew from the study due to suspected allergic contact dermatitis. CONCLUSION: Sertaconazole was better than terbinafine and luliconazole in relieving signs and symptoms during study and follow up period. At the end of ‘Treatment Phase’ and ‘Follow-up’ Phase, all patients showed negative mycological assessment in all three treatment groups suggesting no recurrence of the disease.