EVALUATION OF THERAPEUTIC EFFICIENCY OF TOPICAL CLOTRIMAZOLE AND TOPICAL MICONAZOLE IN THE TREATMENT OF OTOMYCOSIS- A PROSPECTIVE STUDY

Abstract

Background: Otomycosis a Superficial Fungal Infection of the External auditory canal causes lot of misery to the Patient with tendency of recurrence. Many Antifungals are used for treatment with different percentage of success; still a standard regime is not firmly established. So this study is undertaken to evaluate Therapeutic efficiency of Topical Clotrimazole and Miconazole in treating Otomycosis.

Materials and Methods: Present study was conducted on 156 clinically diagnosed cases of Otomycosis. Ear discharge was collected. Identification of fungi was done by standard protocol. Out of 156 cases 135 cases produced positive fungal isolates which were taken for further studies. Cases underwent thorough cleaning in Infected Ear. 1% Clotrimazole Ear drop was used in 70 cases and 1% Miconazole in 65 cases for 1 week and followed up for 1 week to 2 months for clearance or recurrence.

Results: Clotrimazole showed good response Symptomatically and Mycological clearance within one week in 66 cases. Persistence of disease to 2-4 weeks in 4 cases and no recurrence within 2 months of follow up with minimal side effects, Where as Miconazole showed good response within one week in 54 cases, 9 cases had persistence of disease to 2-4 weeks and 2 cases had recurrence, burning sensation in 9 patients and 1 case developed allergy and discontinued treatment.

Conclusion: Topical Clotrimazole is more Effective, Safe and well tolerated with better Symptomatic relief, Mycological clearance and low relapse rate compared to Topical Miconazole.