A systematic review 1 including 9 studies was abstracted in DARE. Griseofulvin is equally effective than ketokonazole. In one study griseofulvin showed a higher clinical cure rate (96% vs 73%). Data from case reports and a single uncontrolled trial suggest that itraconazole is effective. Two open-label studies suggest that terbinafine results in clinical cure rates between 80 and 100%. In a single comparative trial 93% of patients taking terbinafine and 88% of patients taking griseofulvin were mucologically cured at 12 weeks. Treatment with griseofulvin can result in 20% of patients experiencing adverse effects. Also other antifungal agents may have serious side effects.
Comment: The quality of evidence is downgraded by indirectness (differences in studied interventions).
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