Fluconazole and boric acid for treatment of vaginal candidiasis- New words about old issue

Abstract

Objective: To compare boric acid as an effective treatment for VVC  compared to fluconazole. We also studied the efficiency of these drugs in preventing recurrence of VVC.

Design: A cross sectional, randomized, double-blind study.

Settings: Gynaecology clinic of Imam Reza hospital, Tehran - Iran

Subjects: Women with signs and symptoms related to Vulvo Vaginal Candidiasis.

Results: Seventy five patients out of total 150 patients with signs and symptoms related to Vulvo Vaginal Candidiasis were treated with boric acid powder every night for a week and the remaining 75 patients received Fluconazole. The cure rate in first group was 46.7% but the cure rate in second group was 37.3%. The difference was not statistically significant (P>0.3). Difference between the efficacy of the two drugs was not  significant either (P=0.47). The recurrence rate among patients in first group was 35% while it was 32% in second group. Their difference was not statistically significant (P=0.54).

Conclusion: According to our findings, treatment of vaginal candidiasis with boric acid is as effective as fluconazole. The availability of boric acid and its relatively low cost suggests it as a safe and effective drug for treatment of candidiasis.