In a randomized, single-blind, parallel study the safety and efficacy of 2%
butoconazole nitrate cream used for 3 days were compared with those of 1%
econazole nitrate cream used for 7 days at night in patients with
vulvovaginal candidiasis. Patients in both treatment groups had positive
potassium hydroxide smears and fungal cultures, and were similar in age, disease duration and history, obstetric history and
contraceptive use. Of the 75 patients enrolled, 63 with a Candida albicans
infection were included in the efficacy analyses. Evaluations were made at the start of the study (visit 1), after 10-23 days (visit 2) and after 24-45 days (visit 3). Both drugs significantly reduced all signs and symptoms, and at visits 2 and 3 the percentages of patients considered microbiologically, clinically and therapeutically cured were consistently higher for
butoconazole- than for
econazole-treated patients, although differences were not statistically different. Although both drugs were safe and well tolerated, it is concluded that
butoconazole because of its much shorter regimen and superior clinical and microbiological performance was the
drug of choice.