Fluconazole versus itraconazole for resistant ringworm (tinea corporis)

Comparing the Efficacy of Oral Fluconazole Versus Oral Itraconazole in Treating Resistant Tinea Corporis

Phase 4 Interventional Capital Development Authority (CDA) · NCT07342153

This study will test whether oral fluconazole or oral itraconazole works better to clear persistent tinea corporis in adults who have had the infection for at least six months.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment126 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorCapital Development Authority (CDA) Academic / other
Locations1 site (Islamabad, Punjab Province)
Trial IDNCT07342153 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a randomized, double‑blind trial comparing oral itraconazole 200 mg once daily with oral fluconazole 150 mg every other day for four weeks in adults with resistant tinea corporis. Eligible participants are 18–70 years old with disease lasting at least six months despite topical therapy and KOH-confirmed fungal hyphae. Participants will be enrolled at the Dermatology Department of CDA Hospital, Islamabad and randomly assigned to one of the two treatment arms without knowing which drug they receive. The primary outcome is clinical and mycological clearance following the four‑week treatment period with follow-up for relapse.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 18–70 with clinically persistent tinea corporis for ≥6 months despite topical antifungals and KOH confirmation of fungal hyphae are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People who recently used oral antifungals, have known immunosuppressive conditions, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or cannot attend the single study site are unlikely to benefit from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the trial could identify which commonly used oral antifungal more reliably clears resistant tinea corporis and reduces relapses.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies show both fluconazole and itraconazole can treat dermatophyte infections, but direct head-to-head data specifically in resistant tinea corporis are limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Adults aged 18-70 years

Male or female

Clinical diagnosis of resistant tinea corporis, defined as persistent disease ≥6 months despite topical antifungal therapy

Microscopic confirmation of fungal hyphae on KOH preparation of skin scrapings

Exclusion Criteria:

Prior use of oral antifungal therapy within the past 3 months

Recent antibiotic treatment for superadded bacterial skin infection in the past 1 month

Known immunosuppressive conditions (e.g., diabetes mellitus, malignancy)

Current or recent use of immunosuppressive drugs

Pregnant or lactating women

Where this trial is running

Islamabad, Punjab Province

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 CorporisDermatophytosisAntifungal ResistanceFluconazoleItraconazoleRandomized Controlled TrialPakistan
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.