Ketoconazole treatment of Candida esophagitis--a prospective study of 12 cases.

Candida infection of the esophagus is a frequent occurrence in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. In the present study, 12 symptomatic consecutive patients with Candida esophagitis. were successfully treated with oral Ketoconazole in a single dose of 200 mg daily. Response to treatment occurred in 8 days or less, with complete resolution of symptoms and endoscopic clearing of lesions. We found Ketoconazole to be well tolerated except for one patient who developed nausea, vomiting, and facial flushing while on the drug, which seemed to have been precipitated by alcohol intake. No changes in liver function tests were noted. Ketoconazole in this study was universally effective. In addition, its ease of administration, cost effectiveness, and low toxicity make it, in our opinion, the initial therapy of choice for C. esophagitis.