Comparative Evaluation of Effect of use of Antifungal (Clotrimazole) Drug in Preventing and Reducing the Severity of Oral Discomforts Like Mucositis, Burning Sensation, Xerostomia and Loss of Taste Sensation in Cervicofacial Radiotherapy

Aims: To evaluate the effect of Topical antifungal Clotrimazole in Radiotherapy induced mucositis, burning sensation, xerostomia and loss of taste sensation.

Study Design: Randomised Controlled Trial.

Methodology: 64 patients (52 males and 12 females) undergoing Co60 teletherapy for cervicofacial malignancies. Patients who received a total 60 Gray radiation dose over a period of 6 weeks, with a daily dose of 2 Gray, were included in this study. Patients were randomly divided into 2 groups out of which one group was given topical 1% clotrimazole ointment and the other was control group. During the radiotherapy and 6 weeks after the completion of radiotherapy, patients were examined every week for possible oral changes such as mucositis, xerostomia, burning sensation, candidiasis and effect on taste.

Results: There were considerable decrease in patients with severe mucositis and burning sensation in study group compared with control group whereas there was not any significant effect on xerostomia and loss of taste sensation.

Conclusion: Simple topical application of antifungal Clotrimazole can be very effective in reducing the oral discomforts such as mucositis and burning sensation and improved the patient compliance to the treatment.