Daily versus pulse oral itraconazole for tinea capitis in children

Comparative Clinicomycologic and Dermoscopic Study Between Daily and Pulse Therapy of Oral Itraconazole in Tinea Capitis in Children

Not applicable Interventional Alexandria University · NCT07184203

This trial will test whether daily (continuous) or pulse oral itraconazole works better to clear tinea capitis in children aged 5 to 18.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages5 Years to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorAlexandria University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Alexandria)
Trial IDNCT07184203 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This interventional study compares continuous daily oral itraconazole with pulse oral itraconazole in children aged 5–18 who have tinea capitis. Participants receive itraconazole by one of the two dosing schedules and are followed for clinical, mycological, and dermoscopic outcomes to determine treatment response. Children with contraindications to itraconazole, associated scalp disease, or weighing less than 20 kg are excluded. The trial is conducted at the Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, with enrollment limited to patients able to attend site visits there.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Children aged 5 to 18 with confirmed tinea capitis who weigh at least 20 kg and have no contraindications to itraconazole or other scalp disease are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Children with contraindications to itraconazole, associated scalp diseases, or weighing less than 20 kg are unlikely to benefit or be eligible for this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the study could identify a dosing schedule that clears infection faster or with fewer side effects, making treatment easier for children.

How similar studies have performed: Pulse and continuous itraconazole regimens have been used for other superficial fungal infections and in adults, but direct pediatric head-to-head data for itraconazole in tinea capitis are limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

• Tinea capitis patients with ages ranging from 5 to 18 year

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with contraindications to itraconazole
* Patients with associated scalp disease.
* Patients weighing less than 20 Kg.

Where this trial is running

Alexandria

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Tinea Capitis
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.