Treatment of blastomycosis with higher doses of fluconazole. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Mycoses Study Group

Clin Infect Dis. 1997 Aug;25(2):200-5. doi: 10.1086/514539.

Abstract

Recent clinical data suggest that fluconazole at daily doses of 200 to 400 mg for at least 6 months is moderately effective therapy for non-life-threatening blastomycosis. To examine the usefulness of higher doses of fluconazole therapy for this disorder, we conducted a multicenter, randomized, open-label study to determine the efficacy and safety of two different daily doses of fluconazole (400 and 800 mg) in the treatment of non-life-threatening blastomycosis. Of 39 patients evaluable for efficacy analysis, 34 (87%) were successfully treated, including 89% and 85% of patients who received 400 and 800 mg, respectively. Five (83%) of six patients for whom prior antifungal therapy had failed were successfully treated. The mean duration of therapy was 8.9 months for successfully treated patients. Nineteen patients (48%) reported adverse events, although most were minor. We conclude that fluconazole at daily doses of 400 to 800 mg for at least 6 months is effective therapy for non-life-threatening blastomycosis.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antifungal Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Antifungal Agents / adverse effects
  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Blastomycosis / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Fluconazole / administration & dosage*
  • Fluconazole / adverse effects
  • Fluconazole / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Treatment Failure
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents
  • Fluconazole