COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMICAL SAFETY OF ITRACONAZOLE AND TERBINAFINE IN SUPERFICIAL DERMATOPHYTOSIS: APROSPECTIVE STUDY

Objectives: Systemic antifungal therapy is widely used for dermatophytosis, but concerns regarding biochemical safety and adverse effects remain clinically relevant. This study aimed to compare the biochemical safety profile of oral itraconazole and terbinafine in patients with superficial dermatophytosis. Methods: In this prospective comparative clinical study, 180 adult patients with potassium hydroxide-confirmed superficial dermatophytosis were allocated into two groups (n=90 each). Group A received oral itraconazole 100 mg twice daily, and Group B received oral terbinafine 250 mg once daily for six weeks, and both groups received topical clotrimazole. Biochemical parameters, including serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), serum creatinine, and random blood sugar, were assessed at baseline and at six weeks. Adverse events were recorded. Data were expressed as mean ± standard error (SE), and statistical comparisons were performed using Student’s t-test and chi-square test. Results: No statistically significant changes in hepatic enzymes, renal function, or metabolic parameters were observed within or between groups after six weeks of therapy (p>0.05). Adverse events were mild and self-limiting in both groups, with no serious hepatic or systemic toxicity reported. Conclusion: Oral itraconazole and terbinafine demonstrated comparable biochemical safety during six weeks of therapy. Routine biochemical monitoring remains advisable during systemic antifungal treatment.