A randomized, double-blind, comparative study of terbinafine vs griseofulvin in tinea capitis

An open clinical pilot study of terbinafine (Lamid® in patients with tinea capitis had suggested that this agent was effective and well tolerated in the treatment of patients with this indication. On this basis, a double-blind randomized study comparing the efficacy and tolerability of terbinafine, given once daily for 4 weeks, and griseofulvin, given once daily for 8 weeks, was initiated. A 4-week placebo wash-out period separated the two active-treatment periods. Although this study is still in progress and the codes have not yet been broken, clinical and laboratory evaluation of 30 patients suggests that short-term (4-week) therapy with terbinafine is as effective and safe as 8 weeks of griseofulvin therapy in patients, including children, with tinea capitis.