THE EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF PULSE VS CONTINUOUS THERAPY FOR ONYCHOMYCOSIS

This systematic review and network meta-analysis showed that continuous daily and pulse regimens of terbinafine and itraconazole were similar in mycological cure. Continuous terbinafine 250 mg daily for 12 weeks was not significantly different from continuous terbinafine 250 mg for 16 and 24 weeks, pulsed terbinafine 500 mg, weekly fluconazole, or pulsed and continuous itraconazole regimens in mycological cure. Continuous daily terbinafine 250 mg for 24 weeks performed best in rank probabilities over other therapies, but the clinical significance of this is debated.

 

Continuous and pulsed regimens of terbinafine and itraconazole for onychomycosis had similar efficacies and adverse events. Whether dosing of daily terbinafine 250 mg for longer than the FDA-approved 12 weeks yields higher efficacy could be investigated in larger studies.

 

Source: InYoung Kim, MD, PhD, Practice Update [1/7/20] via Dr. Allen Jacobs

Courtesy of Barry Block, editor of PM News