The Comparison of Clinical Aspects of Topical Clotrimazole 1% Cream and Natamycin 5% Ear Drops in the Treatment of Otomycosis

Background: Otomycosis is a superficial fungal infection of the ear canal which requires prolonged treatment for patients and clinicians. Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical aspects of Clotrimazole 1% cream with Natamycin 5% drops in the treatment of otomycosis.

Methods: This research used an unpaired numerical comparative analytic study with a parallel trial design. The study sample consisted of 30 patients with otomycosis, divided into two therapy groups; Clotrimazole cream and Natamycin drops. Clinical symptoms (pain, itching and ear fullness) and clinical signs (ear canal condition, secretions and hyphae/spores) were evaluated on days 7 and 14. Subjects were given follow-up therapy in the form of reapplication. Statistical tests were used, including the Mann-Whitney test and Fisher's Exact test.

Results: No significant differences were observed in the median of otalgia, itching, and blockage score before and after treatment for Clotrimazole and Natamycin (p=0.825), (p=0.006), (p=0.016), respectively. In addition, there was a significant reduction in the number of patients reporting ear discharge (p = 0.256), secretions (p = 1.0), and hyphae/spores (p = 1.0).

Conclusion: There was no significant difference in the clinical outcomes between Clotrimazole cream and Natamycin drops in patients with otomycosis.