Croconazole: a new broad spectrum agent in the treatment of fungal skin infections.

Croconazole hydrochloride (1%) cream is a new antifungal agent for the treatment of dermatomycoses. In vitro, croconazole has a broad spectrum of activity against dermatophytes, moulds, yeasts, dimorphic fungi and some skin-relevant bacteria. Therapeutic results obtained in 277 patients (mean age 43.0 +/- 14.8 years; 158 male and 119 female) who had mycoses at various locations and were treated with 1% croconazole cream are reported. The types of fungal infection in these patients were: pityriasis versicolor (94), candidiasis (43) and trichophytosis (140). One topical application per day was administered for a period of up to three weeks. Clinical improvement and mycology were assessed at one-week intervals, and after a two-week treatment-free follow-up. In all three infection groups the criteria of mycosis, particularly fungal microscopy findings and itching, showed rapid improvement. At the end of the observation period, clinical and mycological cure was observed in the majority of patients. The physicians' global efficacy rating of the medication was "good" or "very good" in 92.6% of the cases with pityriasis versicolor, 97.7% of the patients with candidiasis and 82.9% of the trichophytosis patients. The medication was well tolerated: only one patient reported an adverse reaction (pruritus) at the site of application. It is concluded that croconazole cream is effective and well tolerated in dermatomycoses. The once-a-day use of croconazole cream may be a positive factor in patient compliance.