Terconazole is the first topical triazole antifungal agent. The results of several European clinical trials have shown both terconazole cream and suppositories to be effective and safe in the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis. We conducted a comparative placebo-controlled, double-blind study of 0.8 and 1.6% terconazole creams in a group of patients with persistent vulvovaginal candidiasis. In short-term evaluations (1-3 days and 8-11 days after therapy), 75% of patients receiving 0.8% terconazole cream were asymptomatic and 83.3% were mycologically cured. By 30-35 days after therapy, 75% were still asymptomatic and 58.3% were mycologically negative. No significant difference was seen between the results obtained with 0.8 and 1.6% terconazole creams. Safety data collected on these patients demonstrated that the side effects were rare and mild. This study confirms the efficacy and safety of topical terconazole in patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis.