AIMS:To compare the efficacy of itraconazole 200mg twice for one day and fluconazole 150mg single dose in the treatment of acute vulvovaginal candidiasis. METHODS: The study was carried out at the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, K.P.C. Medical College & Hospital, Jadavpur, Kolkata, from August 2011 to July 2012 on 80 women with clinical and mycological diagnosis of vulvovaginal candidiasis. Diagnosis was based on history, clinical examination and relevant investigations. The women were divided into two equal groups. After initial assessment, Group 1 was treated with capsule itraconazole 200mg twice for one day, and Group 2 with capsule fluconazole 150mg single dose. They were assessed clinically for cure and relapse on day 7 and 21 respectively. RESULTS: The overall clinical evaluation showed 70% (n=28) cure rate with itraconazole and 50% (n=20) with fluconazole. In Group-1, 9 (22.5%) and in Group-2, 10 (25%) showed some improvement, while 3 (7.5%) in Group 1, and 10 (25%) in Group 2 failed to respond. At the 7th day follow up, Clinical success rates (cure and improvement) were 92.5% in the itraconazole group and 75% in the fluconazole group (P <0.05). Relapse was observed in 5 (18%) and 8 (40%) of the cured cases in Group 1 and Group 2 respectively on day 21. CONCLUSION: Itraconazole was found to be more effective in the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis compared to fluconazole with high cure and low relapse rate.

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