A randomized, comparative study of a single oral dose of fluconazole versus a single topical dose of clotrimazole in the treatment of vaginal candidosis among general practitioners and gynaecologists

Objectives: To compare efficacy, acceptability and patient preference of a single oral dose of fluconazole with a single intravaginal dose of 500 mg clotrimazole (medication groups) in women with vaginal candidosis visiting gynaecologists or general practitioners (study groups). Design : A comparative, randomized multicenter study. Events: Baseline visit and treatment, short-term follow-up after 1 week and long-term follow-up after 4 weeks. At each visit, symptoms were graded and cultures were obtained. Results: Symptomatic and mycological efficacy did not differ statistical significant in the medication groups or study groups. A complicated history regarding vaginal candidosis was more often found among gynaecologists, yielding poorer results of treatment. Patients preferred oral treatment over intra-vaginal treatment. Conclusions: No differences were found in the clinical and mycological efficacy of both drugs. Clinical results were related to parameters originating from the patients history, resulting in less favourable results in the study group of gynaecologists.