Ketoconazole and the antifungals.

A new antifungal agent, ketoconazole, has been added to the drugs available for the treatment of fungal infections. Ketoconazole has been shown to be effective in the treatment of mucocutaneous candidiasis with a reported 97% positive response rate. This drug may be administered orally to outpatients with a low risk of toxicity. Hepatitis has been reported as a possible complication of treatment. Infection relapse is the most significant posttherapeutic problem. Five patients suffering from mucocutaneous candidiasis after irradiation therapy are reported to have had favorable responses. The other available antifungal agents are reviewed and discussed.