Itraconazole

The first-line treatment for tinea versicolor is typically a topical treatment like Clotrimazole or Ketoconazole. They both work similarly by stopping fungal growth, but are applied topically (directly onto the skin) and contain different active ingredients. However, if the condition is widespread and topical treatments don’t work, then Itraconazole can be prescribed.

Tinea versicolor can be treated with itraconazole, but it’s typically used as a last resort when topical creams don’t work because of the side effects it can possibly cause. A study from 2002 showed that after seven days of using itraconazole 200 mg (open treatment), 92% of patients were free from fungal infection. However, when used as a prophylactic treatment (as a preventative measure), 88% remained clear compared to only 57% in the placebo group. No serious side effects were reported during both trials, but 16% did experience side effects during prophylactic treatment and 11% during the open treatment. This proves itraconazole is an effective treatment at treating and preventing tinea versicolour. ^[1]

Like all medicine, itraconazole can cause side effects which might affect some people. These include:

• stomach ache;


• nausea;


• headaches;


• period problems;


• sinusitis, runny nose and cough;


• constipation or diarrhoea;


• vomiting; or:


• indigestion.

For more information on the side effects, check the patient leaflet.

We make treating fungal infections easy. Just answer a few questions online, choose your treatment, and have it delivered the next day.

We also have aftercare. This means during and after your treatment, our clinicians will reach out to you to make sure everything’s going well with your treatment.