Comparison of Efficacy in the Treatment of Otomycosis using 10% Povidone-Iodine and Clotrimazole Solution: Randomized, Double-Blind Control Trial

Abstract

Introduction

The main treatment of otomycosis has required the use of topical antifungal drops and/or acidifying agents. However, because of the availability issues of antifungal drops in developing countries, treatment with acidifying agents alone is necessary.

Objective

The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy in the treatment of otomycosis using a 10% povidone-iodine and clotrimazole solution.

Methods

Patients with otomycosis were assigned to 10% povidone-iodine group and Clotrimazole group. The patients were evaluated on the response of each group at 1, 2,4 and 8 weeks.

Results

93 patients were assigned to the 10% povidone-iodine group and 95 patients to the Clotrimazole group. the response to treatment between groups. In the second week after treatment, 37.64% of the 10% povidone-iodine group and 40% of the Clotrimazole group had a good response to treatment (p = 0.551). In the fourth week after treatment, 52.69% of the 10% povidone-iodine group and 55.79% of the Clotrimazole group had a good response to treatment (p = 0.644). In the eighth week after treatment, 58.06% of the 10% povidone-iodine group and 64.21% of the Clotrimazole group had a good response to treatment (p = 0.642) In the 12th week after treatment, 76.34% of the 10% povidone-iodine group and 85.26% of the Clotrimazole group had a good response to treatment (p = 0.248).

Conclusions

There were no significant differences in the response to between 10% povidone-iodine and Clotrimazole groups in the second, fourth, eighth and twelfths after treatment.

Keywords

otomycosis - otitis externa - fungus - antifungal - topical eardrop

Publication History

Received: 23 June 2024

Accepted: 24 May 2025

Article published online:
26 September 2025

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