“UTILIZATION PATTERN OF ANTIFUNGAL DRUGS IN SUPERFICIAL FUNGAL INFECTIONS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY”

Abstract

Superficial fungal infections (SFIs) are among the most common dermatological conditions encountered in clinical practice, particularly in tropical countries. Rational use of antifungal drugs is essential to ensure therapeutic effectiveness, minimize resistance, and reduce economic burden. Drug utilization studies provide valuable insights into prescribing patterns and help promote rational pharmacotherapy.

Objectives: To evaluate the utilization pattern of antifungal drugs prescribed for superficial fungal infections in the dermatology outpatient department of a tertiary care centre.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted over a period of six months (January–June 2025) in a tertiary care teaching hospital. A total of 120 prescriptions of patients clinically diagnosed with superficial fungal infections were analyzed. Data collected included demographic details, clinical diagnosis, and antifungal drugs prescribed. Antifungal utilization was assessed using World Health Organization (WHO) and International Network for Rational Use of Drugs (INRUD) prescribing indicators.

Results: The age of patients ranged from 12 to 68 years, with the majority (62.5%) belonging to the 18–40 years age group. Tinea corporis (38.3%) was the most common diagnosis, followed by tinea cruris (28.3%). Topical antifungal agents were prescribed in the majority of cases. Luliconazole (44.2%) was the most frequently prescribed topical antifungal, followed by eberconazole (32.5%) and clotrimazole (23.3%). Among systemic antifungals, itraconazole (48.1%) was the most commonly prescribed drug, followed by terbinafine (31.5%) and fluconazole (20.4%). The average number of antifungal drugs per prescription was 1.46. Prescribing by generic name was observed in 38.3% of prescriptions, and 41.7% of antifungal drugs were prescribed from the National List of Essential Medicines.

Conclusion: The study demonstrates a preference for newer topical azoles such as luliconazole and eberconazole for superficial fungal infections, with itraconazole being the most commonly used systemic antifungal. Although prescribing practices largely align with current therapeutic trends, there remains scope for improving generic prescribing and adherence to essential medicine lists.