Comparison of Fluconazole (UK-49,858) and Amphotericin B for Maintenance Treatment of Cryptococcal Meningitis in Patients With Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Inclusion Criteria HIV infection documented by antibody (ELISA on two occasions or ELISA with Western blot confirmation), p24 antigen testing, or recovery of HIV in culture. Prior Medication: Required: Minimum total dose of 15 mg/kg of amphotericin B (either alone or in combination with flucytosine) during primary therapy. End of primary therapy within 6 weeks of start of maintenance therapy. Allowed: Past or present antiviral therapy and prophylaxis for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP). Pfizer must be notified if the patient is receiving ganciclovir at entry. Allowed with amphotericin B to treat or prevent side effects. Antipyretics. Hydrocortisone. Meperidine. Exclusion Criteria Co-existing Condition: Patients with the following are excluded: Clinical evidence of acute or chronic meningitis other than cryptococcosis. Allergy or intolerance of imidazoles, azoles, or amphotericin B. Unable to take oral medications reliably. Patients with the following are excluded: Clinical evidence of acute or chronic meningitis other than cryptococcosis. Allergy or intolerance of imidazoles, azoles, or amphotericin B. Prior Medication: Excluded for more than 7 days after initiation of primary therapy for cryptococcosis: Ketoconazole. Fluconazole. Itraconazole. Miconazole. Any other systemic imidazole or azole. Excluded: Intrathecal amphotericin B. Coumadin-type anticoagulants. Oral hypoglycemics. Barbiturates. Phenytoin. Immunostimulants. Investigational drug or approved (licensed) drugs for investigational indications. Prior Treatment: Excluded: Lymphocyte replacement.