Efficacy of Ciclopirox Olamine cream in superficial dermatophytosis

Background: Ciclopirox is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent as well as anti-inflammatory agent and is effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. These properties may give ciclopirox an advantage over other antifungal agents in the treatment of dermatophyte infection.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Ciclopirox olamine 1% cream in the treatment of Dermatophytosis. 

Methods: In Dhaka Medical College hospital Eighty-one patients with tinea corporis/tinea cruris were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were examined for clinical diagnosis  and confirmed by a positive10.0% KOH reading. They were advised to apply Ciclopirox olamine 1% cream once daily for 2 weeks  and Clinical and mycological  assessment at baseline and at 4^th week.

Result: The age of the patients ranged from 18 to 60 years with the mean age of 32.5 (SD ± 10.5) years. There were 52 (64.2%) male and 29 (35.8%) female with a male to female ratio  was 1.8:1. The mean age of the female patients was significantly lower (Z=1.114; p>0.05) and highest 29 (35.8%) patients were in the age group of 21-30 years. Tinea corporis found in 47 (58.0%)  and tinea cruris in 34 (42.0%) . The mean clinical assessment score declined from 6.6 ± 1.3 at baseline; to 3.9±1.2 at week 1, 0.9 ±1.3 at week 2; 0.7 ± 1.1 at week 4.  Global response was clear in 55 (67.9%) , good in 25 (30.9%)  and fair in 55 (67.9%) . Mycological response was eradicated in 80 (98.8%) patients and persistent in only 1 (1.2%) patients. Clinical efficacy was cure in 55 (67.9%), improvement in 25 (30.9%) and failure in 1 (1.2%). Excessive pruritus occurred  in 2 (2.5%)  and excessive burning in 1 (1.2) after initial application of cream which gradually disappeared after subsequent application.