Efficacy of ketoconazole v nystatin in prevention of fungal infections in neutropenic patients

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
A prospective randomized study was undertaken in neutropenic patients to evaluate the efficacy of prophylactic ketoconazole vs. nystatin in reducing yeast infections. Eighteen patients received 500,000 U of nystatin suspension 4 times daily; 18 patients received 200 mg of ketoconazole daily. The nystatin group experienced 9 local yeast infections (4 thrush, 3 esophagitis and 2 vaginitis); 3 patients receiving ketoconazole had thrush. No cases of disseminated candidiasis occurred in either group. Ketoconazole was better tolerated than nystatin; neither drug caused toxic effects. In addition to being nontoxic and better tolerated, ketoconazole appeared to be slightly more effective than nystatin in reducing locally severe yeast infections.