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Itraconazole Pulse Therapy for Onychomycosis

Technology Assessment Program, University Health System Consortium, 2001 Spring Rd , 700, Oak Brook, IL 60521

Janet Park

University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Pharmacy, 833 S Wood St , Chicago, IL 60612

Itraconazole (Sporanox by Janssen) is a triazole antifungal agent. In September 1995, it was approved for the treatment of onychomycosis caused by dermatophytes of the toenail with or without fingernail involvement. FDA-labeled itraconazole therapy for onychomycosis consists of 200 mg by mouth daily for twelve consecutive weeks, with reported mycological cure rates of 54 percent. Pulse therapy, defined as a three- or four-month cycles of 200 mg of itraconazole twice daily for one week, followed by three weeks off the drug, has been shown to be a promising treatment option that deserves consideration. Cure rates have been as good, or better than the standard therapy. Recurrence has not been a problem and adverse drug effects have been few and mild. Decreased drug treatment cost are incurred with pulse therapy.

Journal of Pharmacy Practice, Vol. 10, No. 2, 101-104 (1997)
DOI: 10.1177/089719009701000206


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